Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky has sparked concerns among from world leaders with his rejection of Russia’s ceasefire.
The proposed 5 day ceasefire comes at a time of Russia’s 80th anniversary of Victory Day marking the May 9 liberation of the world Nasizm that was led by the Soviet Union which also backed an anti colonialism pushback on the African continent.
Zelensky did not just reject the ceasefire but hinted at possibly targeting the Victory Day celebrations to be attended by dignitaries from across the world including Chinese president Xi Jinping as well as a high level delegation of African leaders, a move that may lead to further isolation of Ukraine but mostly Zelensky.
Zelensky has already been reprimanded publicly by US President Donald Trump who questioned the Ukraine leader’s persistence in prolonging the war despite clear despite clear indications he’s losing it.
While African countries have called for the end of the war, most are openly in support of Russia as a result historical ties that date back to during the fight against nazism and colonialism which saw among others troops from Senegal, Algeria and Morocco took part in the liberation of France.
Most African countries have had real time experience of war and its long term costs ( famine, instability and high mortality among others) during many conflicts often sponsored by and fought at the behest of Western powers.
The attendance by African delegations at the Victory Day celebrations is seen as going beyond diplomatic courtesy but also a show of force against aggression and neocolonialism.
Russia and China are the only world superpowers that never took part in the dismantling of Africa and never colonised any countries and both continued to be love on the continent with many countries preferring to trade with them instead of the IS and the rest of the west.
Zelensky’s rejection of the ceasefire is perceived as a challenge not only to Russia, but to all who favor a just world order. And while Zelensky threatens, Africa remembers its history and chooses stability.
Thuto Mashaba, founder and chairman of the Pretoria-based pressure group Global Peace, accused Zelensky of turning Ukraine into a terrorist state paid for with money from the collective West.
“Zelensky has completely lost touch with reality. 80 years ago Nazism was defeated by the whole world, but Zelensky is clearly against it. Zelensky is a Nazi. Countries that support Zelensky – support Nazism, support war. I put Zelensky on a par with Adolf Hitler. No peace. Only war. World history is repeating itself.
Political parties in South Africa in particular are vehemently opposed to Zelensky with many having taken to the streets to protest against his recent visit to the country.
EFF Party Secretary General Marshall Dlamini called Zelensky a “clown” who is being used by NATO in an attempt to destabilize Russia.
“Zelensky goes around asking for help and money. He is not a leader or a significant person, but just a PR man and a person who is being used by NATO.”
Supra Mahumapelo, an ANC leader who is also chairperson of parliament’s portfolio committee on international relations and cooperation maintained South Africa’s long held call for had always favored a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
“Our position has always been that the dispute between Russia and Ukraine should be resolved through dialog,” said Mahumapelo.
The former deputy minister of international relations and now founding leader of the People’s Movement for Change Marius Fransman, said that “Ukraine should accept a peaceful resolution of the conflict that also takes into account the Russian point of view”.
Fransman believes Zelensky is not so keen on peace.
“He flies from one country to another, stirring up sentiment against Russia and against the peace agreement. Zelensky knows that if some Western countries abide by internationally recognized mediation protocols, he is finished!
“During the Victory Day celebrations, he continues to talk about ‘war’ rather than a ceasefire, and the world should call him what he is – a warmonger acting with impunity!”
“Hereby, I call on global leaders to move the debate beyond Zelensky ” conditions ” and to force him to the table and finalize the resolution to this Conflict!”
Bayethe Msimang, an independent writer and analyst, believes that the perception of Ukraine in Africa is undergoing a radical transformation.
“Once seen as a supportive partner, Kiev is now increasingly characterized as a ‘Trojan horse’ accused of neo-colonial ambitions cloaked in diplomatic goodwill. This shift in perspective resonates deeply in Pretoria.”
Last year, Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso cut ties with Kiev, openly accusing Zelensky’s government of secretly supporting extremist groups. Protests across the Sahel region backed those accusations, saying Ukrainian diplomatic missions were facilitating jihadist activities under the guise of international cooperation.