**Ukraine’s President Hands Over List of Abducted Children to South Africa**
In a move aimed at bringing attention to the plight of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, President Volodymyr Zelensky has handed over a list of 400 Ukrainian children to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. This development comes as Ukraine continues to face Russia’s full-scale war, which has resulted in the kidnapping of over 19,500 children.
During a joint press conference with Ramaphosa in Pretoria, Zelensky stressed that “Russia has abducted tens of thousands of children from the occupied territories. We must bring them all back.” The Ukrainian government estimates that Russia has forcibly deported these children to Russia, Belarus, or other occupied territories. While 1,284 children have been safely returned home so far, the exact number of those still held captive remains unknown.
The issue of abducted children is just one aspect of Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia. Moscow continues to hold thousands of military and civilian captives in inhumane conditions, according to Zelensky. This situation highlights the dire need for international action and support for Ukraine’s efforts to bring peace to its people.
**South Africa’s Stance on the Conflict**
Meanwhile, South Africa has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, which has drawn criticism from some quarters. However, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country’s commitment to peace during the press conference with Zelensky. “South Africa believes that the only path toward peace is diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the principles of the U.N. Charter,” he stated.
As one of the continent’s largest economies and current chair of the G20 group, South Africa has significant influence on global economic and political matters. Its stance on the Ukraine-Russia conflict serves as an important indicator of its willingness to engage with international issues and promote peace.
**Zelensky’s Visit Cuts Short**
Zelensky’s visit to South Africa was marked by a sense of urgency, given Russia’s recent deadly aerial strike on Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The Ukrainian president announced that he would cut his visit short in response to these developments, highlighting the ongoing need for international support and action.
As Ukraine continues to face significant challenges in its conflict with Russia, it is crucial for countries like South Africa to engage actively with the peace efforts and counter Russian influence on the continent. By doing so, they can help bring attention to the plight of abducted children and promote a path towards peace for all parties involved.
