KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has intensified his diplomatic outreach, urging nations of the Global South to exert pressure on Russia to end the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.
During a recent conversation with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zelenskyy emphasized that the path to peace can no longer rely solely on Western nations. He called on countries across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to leverage their influence to push Moscow toward meaningful negotiations, stating, “It is important that the Global South sends relevant signals and pushes Russia toward peace.”
The Ukrainian leader’s appeal comes amid growing concerns that Russia is preparing for new offensives, signaling little interest in pursuing genuine peace talks. Zelenskyy warned that without unified global pressure, the war could further escalate, deepening the humanitarian and geopolitical crisis in the region.
Expanding the Diplomatic Front
Analysts note that this latest move reflects Ukraine’s strategy to expand its diplomatic channels beyond its traditional Western allies. The Global South, with its economic and political ties to Moscow, is now seen as a critical player capable of shifting the balance toward peace.
South Africa, currently holding the G20 chair, is emerging as a particularly influential mediator. Ramaphosa’s leadership in promoting dialogue has positioned his country as a potential bridge between Kyiv and Moscow. Talks of possible trilateral discussions have already gained traction, signaling a new phase in the complex peace negotiations.
A Race Against Time
Zelenskyy’s administration is expected to escalate these efforts in the coming weeks, with plans for inclusive summits and multilateral peace frameworks aimed at accelerating the road to a ceasefire. However, the challenge remains steep, as intelligence reports suggest that Russia continues to strengthen its military posture, preparing for what could be a new wave of operations.
Observers argue that the success of this strategy hinges on the willingness of Global South countries to take a firmer stand, balancing their diplomatic relationships with Russia against the growing demand for an end to hostilities.
Looking Ahead
Whether this outreach can transform into actionable diplomatic pressure remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Ukraine is reshaping its foreign policy approach—building a truly global coalition to seek an end to a war that has already left deep scars on international stability.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.