PRETORIA, South Africa (CHATNEWSTV) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Thursday with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria, where the two leaders discussed Russia’s escalating attacks on Ukraine and ways to boost bilateral cooperation.
Zelenskyy said he briefed Ramaphosa—whose country currently chairs the G20—on the latest wave of missile and drone strikes across Ukraine.
“Russia’s continued aggression cannot go unanswered,” Zelenskyy said. “We need urgent and united diplomatic pressure to bring these attacks to an end.”
The Ukrainian president also raised humanitarian concerns, including the forced deportation of Ukrainian children and the plight of prisoners held by Russia.
“I thank President Ramaphosa for considering South Africa’s assistance in returning our abducted children and detained citizens,” Zelenskyy said.
The leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, agriculture, food security, education, and science. Joint efforts in energy, digitalization, security, and communications were also on the agenda.
Ramaphosa did not comment publicly on specific commitments but reaffirmed South Africa’s interest in “constructive engagement” and deepening economic ties with Ukraine.
