UKRAINE PRESIDENT PEACE TALKS IN SOUTH AFRICA CUT SHORT AFTER RUSSIAN ATTACK ON KYIV

PRETORIA — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy landed in South Africa on Thursday for high-level discussions with President Cyril Ramaphosa focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and advancing efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Shortly afterwards, the city of Kyiv is attacked, killing at least nine people. 

Zelenskyy said in a Telegram post that he will fly back to Kyiv after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The visit comes as Zelenskiy faces mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned last week that American support could be withdrawn if there is no clear progress toward a peace agreement soon.

"It is crucial to bring a just peace closer," Zelenskiy wrote on social media platform X, announcing meetings with Ramaphosa and other political and civil representatives during his stay.

The diplomatic mission marks the first-ever visit by a Ukrainian head of state to South Africa, a nation that has maintained a position of neutrality since the conflict began in February 2022. The two leaders have previously met on multiple occasions, including during Ramaphosa's visit to Kyiv in 2023 as part of an African-led mediation effort that yielded little progress.

"The visit provides South Africa and Ukraine with an opportunity to discuss bilateral relations," Ramaphosa's office said in a statement. "It will also explore areas of cooperation with the objective to support efforts to bring lasting peace."

Just days before Zelenskiy's arrival, Ramaphosa held a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they reportedly affirmed "strong bilateral relations" and a commitment to work toward a peaceful resolution.

The war has exacted a devastating human toll, with independent estimates suggesting between 165,000 and 250,000 Russian soldiers and between 60,000 and 100,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the invasion began. The conflict has also contributed to global economic challenges, reportedly adding 1.3% to worldwide inflation.