During First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska’s visit to the Republic of South Africa, which was shortened due to a Russian shelling of Ukraine on Thursday night, the first memorandum on cooperation and the establishment of a Center for Global Ukrainian Studies on the African continent was signed with Professor Francis Petersen, Principal of the University of Pretoria.

Ukraine cannot accept any agreements that contradict our values and Constitution. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a conversation with media representatives in the Republic of South Africa.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the importance of uniting all global efforts and ensuring pressure on Russia in the interest of peace. Special attention was given to potential opportunities within the G20, which South Africa is chairing this year.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the urgent need to intensify global diplomatic efforts and pressure to ensure the immediate and unconditional cessation of these attacks.

The Ukrainian side conveyed its position, stressing that an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire must be the first step toward initiating negotiations aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace, and expressed hope that this aligns with the vision of U.S. President Donald Trump.

On April 23, representatives of Ukraine, the United Kingdom, Germany and France met in London to discuss steps toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Ukrainian side was represented by Minister for Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Defense Rustem Umerov, and Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Andriy Yermak.

The Head of State emphasized that Ukraine has supported the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. This implies that neither side should impose any conditions.