Ukraine and Russia had a very active last weekend. On one hand, the counteroffensive was raging, while on the other, several NATO allies were looking to assist Ukraine once more.
While the world was gripped by tension and uncertainty, a dramatic turn of events unfolded between Ukraine and Africa. Seven African leaders, representing South Africa, Egypt, Senegal, Congo-Brazzaville, Comoros, Zambia, and Uganda, set foot in Ukraine and Russia with hopes of ending the war that had wreaked havoc on their continent.
It was a noble mission, driven by the desire to restore peace and uplift the lives of their people. President Volodymyr Zelensky greeted the African delegation with open arms, seemingly embracing the opportunity for dialogue. Little did they know that behind closed doors, Zelensky and his NATO allies were plotting something entirely different.
Their plan? To humiliate and target the African leaders deliberately. The first blow came when the African Union peace proposal was brought to the table. It was swiftly dismissed by Zelensky, who adamantly declared that there could be no negotiations with Russia.
He brushed off the initiative as if it were a mere inconvenience, oblivious to the hopes and aspirations vested in it. During a press conference, Zelensky lashed out, claiming that allowing talks with Russia while their troops occupied Ukrainian land would only freeze the conflict, prolonging the pain and suffering endured by his people.
Moreover, Zelenksy accused Russia of deceit, insisting that true peace could only be achieved if Russian troops completely withdrew from Ukrainian territory.
Russia, in turn, responded by expressing difficulties in implementing the African Union peace proposal. While President Putin showed some interest in considering it, not all provisions aligned with Russia’s position.
Allies hound Russia
However, African nations got utterly depressed with Ukraine. The situation took an even more dramatic turn at the Warsaw airport. Tensions escalated as South African officials clashed with their Polish counterparts on the runway. Polish authorities threatened to confiscate weapons and equipment meant to protect President Cyril Ramaphosa during his visits to Ukraine and Russia.
The incident spiraled into accusations of racism and jeopardized the safety and security of the African delegation. The actions of Zelensky and his cohorts showcased a complete disregard for African sentiments. But, is this going to help Zelensky? Not at all.
By humiliating and challenging African leaders, the Ukrainian President is inadvertently pushing them further away, straining the already tense relationship between Ukraine and Africa.
It is a grave miscalculation, which NATO allies are allowing it to do as many African nations had openly expressed their support for Russia.
Read More: Africa Cancels Zelensky
Pro-Russia Africa
Africa hasn’t even spoken out against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Furthermore, 17 African countries joined 18 others in abstaining from a U.N. General Assembly vote condemning Russia’s “aggression against Ukraine.”
According to some observers, the number of African abstentions would have been higher if it hadn’t been for behind-the-scenes Western diplomatic coercion.
African countries, including Uganda, openly lambasted Ukraine over the conflict. Zelensky’s ill-conceived plan to send a message to Russia backfired spectacularly. Instead, it is set to deepen the divide between Ukraine and Africa while dealing a blow to Western interests in the region.
It was a self-inflicted wound, a misguided attempt to assert power that resulted in isolation and further decline of Western influence.
Read More: Zelensky sets his parasitic eyes on Africa
The fallout from Zelensky’s mistake will be swift and far-reaching. Trust and goodwill between Ukraine and Africa are about to be shattered, leaving behind a trail of broken diplomacy. The incident served as a stark reminder of how irrelevant arrogance and carelessness on the global stage could backfire terribly.
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