Zelenskyy cuts South Africa visit short after Russian night attack

Zelenskyy announced the decision on the morning of April 24, stating:  

"I am canceling part of the program for this visit and will return to Ukraine immediately after the meeting with the President of South Africa."

Despite the shortened visit, Zelenskyy will still meet with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20. He plans to brief him on the security situation and emphasize the need for stronger global diplomatic efforts.  

"The strikes must be stopped immediately and unconditionally. We also count on support in humanitarian matters — in the return of our prisoners and Ukrainian children abducted by Russia," Zelenskyy added.

In his earlier Telegram message, Zelenskyy confirmed his arrival in South Africa, where he is scheduled to meet with President Ramaphosa and representatives of African political, civil, and student communities.

"It is crucial to bring a just peace closer. We are working to ensure that the G20 countries are actively engaged in diplomatic efforts. We count on South Africa’s meaningful participation in the International Coalition for the return of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. We will also certainly strengthen our cultural and educational ties," the message reads.

First Lady Olena Zelenska accompanied the president to South Africa.

Zelenskyy’s visit to Pretoria had been previously reported by Deutsche Welle, noting that the Ukrainian leader would focus on discussing Russia’s war against Ukraine with President Ramaphosa.

Dzvinka Kachur, honorary president of the Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA), said South Africa is unlikely to mediate peace, but could help Ukraine in humanitarian areas — such as returning deported children, stopping torture at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, and aiding in the release of civilian hostages and journalists.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant cannot function without Ukrainian technical personnel, and that support from the United States cannot replace their role.