South Africa Invites Zelensky for State Visit Amidst G20 Meetings

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit to Pretoria. The invitation was confirmed during the G20 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which South Africa will host in 2025. Ramaphosa communicated via X, mentioning a phone conversation with Zelensky covering geopolitical issues. Both leaders emphasized the need for an inclusive and fair peace process involving all parties to resolve the conflict in Ukraine and ensure lasting peace. South Africa has affirmed its commitment to supporting dialogue between Russia and Ukraine. Zelensky acknowledged Ramaphosa's support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing the importance of a unified stance. While South Africa maintains a non-aligned position in the Russia-Ukraine war, it has faced accusations of favoring Moscow. Ramaphosa previously referred to Russia as "valuable friends and allies" during a BRICS summit hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Ramaphosa also met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of the G20 diplomatic summits in Johannesburg.