Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a historic visit to South Africa, marking the first time a Ukrainian president has visited the African continent since taking office in 2019. The visit comes at a time of growing competition among global powers for influence in Africa, and is seen as a significant move in Ukraine's strategy to counter Russia's deepening influence in the region.

The visit was abruptly cut short following a Russian airstrike on Kyiv, with Zelensky announcing on social media that he would return to Ukraine immediately after meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Despite the sudden departure, the visit signals a new beginning in strained relations between South Africa and Ukraine, which had been criticized by Western powers for maintaining close ties with Moscow.

Until recently, diplomatic relations between South Africa and Ukraine were strained, with South Africa refusing to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, Ukraine has been actively seeking to expand its presence in Africa, doubling the number of its embassies on the continent from 10 to 20 in the past three years, according to the BBC. Steven Gruzd, senior analyst at the South African Institute of International Relations, noted that "Ukraine has neglected the continent in foreign policy terms, but that has changed."

Zelensky's visit offers an opportunity for South Africa to reaffirm its role as a global peacemaker, and to stabilize strained relations with major powers. Ramaphosa stated that his talks with Zelensky would focus on efforts to find a path to peace, referring to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. The South African leader had previously attempted to mediate between the two sides in 2023, leading a delegation of African leaders to both Kyiv and Moscow.

The visit also comes at a time of change in US foreign policy, following Donald Trump's return to the White House. The new government has suspended military aid to Ukraine, called Zelensky a "dictator," and blamed Kyiv for the escalation of the war. Meanwhile, relations between the US and South Africa have deteriorated, with Trump recently imposing a 30% tariff on South African goods, although the increase was later suspended for 90 days. Ramaphosa is now working to repair relations with Washington, announcing that he had spoken with Trump and the two had agreed to meet soon.

The implications of Zelensky's visit to South Africa are far-reaching, with Ukraine seeking to expand its influence in Africa and counter Russia's growing presence. The visit also highlights the complex web of alliances and rivalries between global powers, as they vie for influence in the region. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, the visit marks a significant development in the ongoing struggle for influence in Africa.

In conclusion, Zelensky's historic visit to South Africa marks a new chapter in Ukraine's strategy to counter Russia's influence in Africa. As global powers continue to vie for influence in the region, the visit highlights the complex and shifting nature of international relations. With Ukraine seeking to expand its presence in Africa, and South Africa seeking to reaffirm its role as a global peacemaker, the visit marks a significant development in the ongoing struggle for influence in the region.