While on a visit to South Africa, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that African countries need to have a clear position in condemning Russia’s aggression. The visit took place shortly after another massive Russian attack on Ukrainian cities, which caused significant damage.
“Russia continues its terrorist war against our people. Africa has to make a choice – either with the aggressor or on the side of peace,” Zelenskyy said in a conversation with local political leaders and members of the public.
According to the Ukrainian leader, one of the key issues he raised in South Africa was the preservation of the global order based on international law. Zelenskyy stressed that silence about Russia’s crimes is a contribution to impunity and destabilisation of the entire world.
Zelenskyy’s visit to South Africa is part of Kyiv’s broader diplomatic offensive in Africa aimed at building an anti-Putin coalition among the countries of the Global South.
Earlier this week, Russia launched another large-scale missile attack on Ukraine, hitting civilian targets in Kyiv, Kharkiv and Dnipro. According to preliminary reports, more than 10 people were killed and dozens were injured.
