Ukraine’s foreign minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has begun a tour of African countries, a diplomatic push to counteract Russian influence in the “Global South” and further solidify Ukraine’s vision as the only means to peace during the ongoing conflict.
Dmytro Kuleba, on his second tour of Africa since Russia’s invasion in February of last year, began in Morocco with the stated goal of convincing African nations to support President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s peace plan.
The trip comes after Zelenskiy spent the previous three days engaging in diplomatic efforts at the Arab League of Nations on Friday, followed by a Group of Seven summit in Japan. In addition to other G7 heads of state, he also spoke with the leaders of India, Indonesia, Iraq, and the crown prince of Saudi Arabia.
This month, China sent a top envoy to Kiev, Moscow, and European capitals to discuss a “political settlement,” which China claims will bring about peace. Last week, South Africa reported that Kiev and Moscow had agreed to meet with African leaders to discuss a peace plan.
Dmytro Kuleba said on social media, “Important negotiations lie ahead with African leaders and business,” with the stated goals of securing new opportunities for Ukrainian business and gaining support for the continual transportation of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea.
