In his attempts to offset Russia’s powerful and expanding influence in Africa, the Ukrainian leader saw the visit as a diplomatic victory.
Steven Gruzd of the South African Institute of International Relations, a think tank, stated, “I’m sure that Russia will be annoyed by the visit, but I don’t think it can do much about it.”
However, Zelensky’s visit was cut short when Russia launched an airstrike on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, compelling him to declare that he will head back home right away after meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa.
The South African leader noted that Zelensky’s visit was the first by a Ukrainian head of state in 33 years and that it had “reaffirmed” the ties between the two countries.
