Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made history on Thursday, 24 April 2025, when he became the first Ukrainian head of state to visit South Africa.
Zelensky’s historic visit to South Africa cut short
He arrived at Lanseria Airport in Johannesburg with First Lady Olena Zelenska and was welcomed with a red-carpet reception by South African officials and military guards.
The visit marked a major step in strengthening ties between Ukraine and South Africa. Zelensky was scheduled to meet President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria to discuss trade, agriculture, digital governance, and broader efforts to promote peace.
South Africa has also been involved in international efforts to return Ukrainian children taken to Russia during the ongoing war.
However, within hours of landing, Zelensky was forced to cut his visit short due to a Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv. He confirmed the decision in a post on X, stating that he would return to Ukraine “immediately” after his official meeting with Ramaphosa.
What’s the latest on the Kyiv attack
Zelensky’s abrupt departure followed a deadly attack in Kyiv that left at least nine people dead and over 80 injured. The overnight assault involved both drones and ballistic missiles, according to the Kyiv City Military Administration.
Ukrainian authorities said more than 45 drones were detected during the strike. Among the injured were several children. Zelensky described the scene as involving “significant destruction” and highlighted that this happened despite a ceasefire agreement signed in March.
“It has been 44 days since Ukraine agreed to a full ceasefire,” Zelensky posted. “The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally.”
Rescue operations were still ongoing as of Thursday morning.
Trump applies pressure as Zelensky refuses to relinquish Crimea
Zelensky’s shortened visit came amid political pressure from US President Donald Trump, who is pushing Ukraine to accept a peace deal that includes giving up territory to Russia.
Trump accused Zelensky of delaying peace by refusing to give up Crimea, a region Russia annexed in 2014. Trump claimed the war could end soon if Ukraine accepted the US terms, saying:
“Refusing the deal will do nothing but prolong the conflict.”
US Vice President JD Vance also commented, saying any peace deal would likely require both Ukraine and Russia to give up parts of land they currently control.
Zelensky, however, has made it clear that giving up Crimea is not an option.
Accepting Russia’s control over the territory would not only go against Ukraine’s stance but would also violate international laws that say borders should not be changed by force.
Despite the US pressure, Zelensky remains firm in his position, stating that Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are non-negotiable. His return to Kyiv marks a return to crisis mode, with the safety of civilians once again at the forefront of his agenda.
