Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in South Africa on an official visit.

He was welcomed by Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola.

The President of Ukraine ⁦@ZelenskyyUa⁩ has arrived in South Africa. #GCIS #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/mWHm0lW4Yp

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) April 23, 2025

It’s his first and official visit to South Africa.

President Zelenskyy’s arrival in South Africa is a historic one.

Ukraine is hoping to bolster economic ties with South Africa as well as holding discussions on conflict resolution.

SA-Zelenskyy Visit | Cultural exchanges, Conflict resolutions and Economic ties: Thembisa Fakude

President Zelenskyy says, “We are preparing for important meetings in South Africa with President Cyril Ramaphosa and representatives of political, civil, and student communities of African countries. 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 Ukrainian President @ZelenskyyUa has arrived in South Africa. For comprehensive coverage of this story watch #sabcnews https://t.co/0sV2jmMdne

— Sophie Mokoena (@Sophie_Mokoena) April 23, 2025

Zelenskyy will meet with his counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Union Buildings later in the day.