UKR Embassy in RSA

Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa/Посольство України в Південно-Африканській Республіці

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський @ZelenskyyUa]

Yesterday, the President of Poland noted that the Order of the White Eagle is not an ordinary award. It is a symbol of the highest trust of the Republic of Poland. It signifies a special bond with the Polish state and the special gratitude of the Polish People. Such a symbol requires not only merit, but also respect for the values that form the foundation of our community.

Therefore, if it is considered that this special symbol may remain with Catherine II, Benito Mussolini, and Gerhard Schröder, then we in Ukraine will not argue with that.

Ukraine is grateful to the Polish People for their support and cooperation, which play a significant role in the struggle for our and your independence from Russia.

Ukraine never forgets solidarity and understands that cooperation between states and peoples in our region is one of the tangible security guarantees for Ukrainians and for each neighboring state.

Ukraine will continue to defend itself in this war unleashed by Russia, and we will undoubtedly achieve a dignified peace.

Ukraine is grateful to all peoples, states, and leaders who will continue to stand with us in the defense of freedom and who, together with Ukraine, will serve as guarantors of postwar peace in Europe and a new, real security.

Ukraine will remain open to all meaningful formats of engagement with Poland in order to try to avoid conflicting interpretations of the difficult and painful chapters of our shared past and to ensure proper respect for all innocent victims of the 20th century.

And Ukrainians are doing everything in our power to ensure that Europe does not suffer defeat in this century.

I am proud of our people and of EVERY Ukrainian warrior – of the millions of Ukrainian men and women who deserve unquestionable respect for the heroism the Ukrainian People have shown in defending themselves against Russian aggression.

We believed that the Order of the White Eagle, awarded in 2023, was meant for the Ukrainian People and our army. That is what was said at the time. Today, I sent the Order back to the President of Poland.

I believe the future will confirm the respect Ukrainians deserve.

Glory to Ukraine!

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

Happy Africa Day to our African friends at @_AfricanUnion and accros the continent.

Ukraine and Africa are united by deep historical ties and a shared aspiration for a just world where international law and sovereignty are respected. 

Ukraine is open to developing cooperation. We are a reliable partner in:

✅ Ensuring food security
✅ Cooperation in education, security, IT, energy, digitalisation, and infrastructure
✅ Developing human capital 

As the African proverb says: "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together".

Ukraine chooses to walk together — as equal partners for our shared prosperity, self-sufficiency, and lasting peace. 

Happy Africa Day! 🤝

@ymahmoudali
#AfricaDay #UkraineAfrica #Agenda2063

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

Today, I was honoured to join online the prestigious Spier Dialogue 2026 in South Africa for a conversation about peace efforts, Africa’s role, and Ukraine’s cooperation with African countries.

In a world where the global role of the African continent is steadily rising, Africa's voice truly matters. I briefed the forum on the frontline situation, our peace efforts, and the shared values of peace, freedom, and justice that unite us.

I urged African partners to confront a critical threat: Russia’s deceptive recruitment of African youth into its occupying forces.

This exploitation must stop, and I have called for countering this Russian trafficking to be made a top priority on the African Union agenda.

We must protect the future of Africa’s youth together.

Our partnership is built on deep-rooted respect and mutual benefit. Ukraine remains a reliable global guarantor of food security; through the Grain From Ukraine initiative, we've delivered over 300,000 tons of agricultural products to Asia and Africa.

With $4.23B in trade and 8 new Ukrainian embassies opened across the continent, our ties are stronger than ever.

Ukraine is ready to share its expertise in military experience, agriculture, digitalization, and energy to foster African self-sufficiency.

We deeply appreciate South Africa's support in demanding the return of stolen Ukrainian children. Together, as self-sufficient partners, we can reinforce each other and build a safer world. 🇺🇦🇿🇦

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

CONGRATULATIONS TO SOUTH AFRICA ON FREEDOM DAY!

Thirty-two years ago, the Republic of South Africa wrote history and became inspiration for freedom-loving people throughout the world. The era of injustice called “apartheid” came to an end. South Africa’s freedom fight prevailed – against all odds, despite overwhelming political and financial disadvantage, despite doubts and disbelief of those of little faith.

Many Ukrainians remember this fight fondly, as they contributed to it. Kyiv and Kharkiv, Odesa and Simferopol - back in time these Ukrainian cities became a hospitable home and alma mater for many students and political refugees from South Africa. Many Ukrainians fought shoulder-to-shoulder with liberation fighters in Angola. Diplomats of the MFA of Ukrainian Socialist Republic contributed to the anti-apartheid fight in international organizations. Their names are honored in Freedom Park now.

Three decades ago, freedom prevailed because of the courage of the unbreakable people of this country and the decency of those in the world who supported their fight no matter what. On today’s Freedom Day we wish South Africans to prosper in liberty and cherish what they have - freedom from oppression, respect and passion for justice.

Ukraine celebrates your freedom, together with you!

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

Out of all heartbreaking Bucha videos this one stuck with me the most. The poor woman.

#BuchaMassacre

[UKR Embassy in RSA @UKRinRSA]

The Embassy of Ukraine in South Africa is deeply saddened by the passing of Steven Gruzd of @SAIIA_info. He will be remembered for his contribution to policy dialogue and diplomacy in South Africa and across the continent. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues. May he rest in peace.

[MFA of Ukraine 🇺🇦 @MFA_Ukraine]

We extend our warm congratulations to the people of Namibia and to our colleagues at the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of Namibia on the occasion of the Independence Day.

🇺🇦🇳🇦 We wish Namibia peace and prosperity. Ukraine looks forward to further developing our bilateral relations and expanding mutually beneficial partnership.

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

As South Africa celebrates Human Rights Day, I extend my warmest congratulations! The profound desire for freedom and justice is what South Africa and Ukraine have in common.

🇺🇦🤝🇿🇦

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

Weirdly, Iranian embassy in Pretoria notified us, Ukrainian diplomats, about opening a book of condolences in memory of ayatollah Khamenei and the military leadership of Iran.

I decided to respond - and do it in a public way. The letter explains why.

Your Excellency,
Mr. Ambassador,

Since you notified the Embassy of Ukraine of the book of condolences for deceased Ayatollah Khamenei and Iran’s military leadership, I feel compelled to remind you the following.

As military allies of the Russian Federation, the deceased leaders of Iran had on their hands the blood of thousands of Ukrainian citizens – men and women, children and elderly – killed with the help of the infamous Iran-made “Shahed” drones and other military know-how so eagerly provided to Russia by your government. Your leaders were complicit in bringing endless grief to Ukrainian civilians.

Being a person of faith, I try not to rejoice in the death of other people, even those who chose to be tormentors of my country that did nothing bad to theirs. But as someone who has spent three years to the tune of Iran-created machines of death howling every night in the sky over Kyiv and other peaceful Ukrainian cities, I cannot help but wish for every culprit to meet the justice they deserve. If not by human law, then in the face of God Almighty.

Ambassador, I do not know you personally and have no grudge against you. Sometimes good diplomats must speak for bad leaders and their policies. But I hope you understand that I won’t express condolences for someone whose death I do not mourn.

Sincerely,
Dr. Olexander Scherba
Ambassador

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

From my op-ed at @mailandguardian today.

“Europe and the Global South, Ukrainians and Africans, we might be different. We have different historical backgrounds and skin colours but there is something more important that connects us: we do not attack our neighbours. 

We respect borders. We believe in freedom, kindness and hard work instead of worshipping the “dear leader”, soaking land in the blood of others and looting their homes.
Therefore, my appeal to South Africans is this: Thank you to those who understand and help. 

And to those who believe what Russia says, please look at what Russia does. Because what it does to Ukraine is not that different from what other empires in other time periods did to you. Please feel our pain. Forgive us for every time we did not feel yours.

For people of goodwill, holding together in this time of global darkness is the only way to prevent this century from completely unravelling — or from becoming, in the words of Russian ideologue Alexander Dugin, “the age of new empires”.

https://t.co/eChS2cAUd1

[UKR Embassy in RSA @UKRinRSA]

Today marks the 4th anniversary of Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s full-scale war. It continues for one reason only: Russia has not abandoned its imperial ambitions. Our goal is to stop it. We thank everyone who supports Ukraine and helps bring this war to an end.

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

From my speech at Cape Town press-club today…

“…It is amazing how cynically Putin plays with the world’s desire to restore peace. Four years ago, he justified his decision claiming that Russia’s “legitimate strategic interests” were disregarded, NATO went too far, and the world order was unfair. Implying that somehow Ukraine was a threat to Russia, not the other way around.

But look what is happening now: Russia is using the so-called “peace negotiations” to twist everyone’s arms to get more of Ukraine’s territory as precondition to end the war – the very territory it could not conquer in four years.

So, in the end, what was announced as resurgence against the unfair world order, turned out to be a plain good ol’ land-grab. Which is one more reason to draw a line between this imperial war on the one side and Africa on the other. The continent that suffered too long from one sort of imperialism cannot become blunt instrument in the hands of another…”.

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

Had a warm meeting with @GaytonMcK, one of stars of SA politics. Thank you, Minister, for your time and candour! May just peace come to Ukraine! May South Africa prosper further more!

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

Something very wrong about Olympics being so incredibly deaf about the pain of Ukrainian Olympians.

Punishing sportsmen for commemorating their killed comrades is inhuman. Are you still human, @iocmedia?

[olexander scherba🇺🇦 @olex_scherba]

Three young children (two 1-year-old boys and a 2-year-old girl) are reported killed in a yet another Russian drone strike on 🇺🇦 Kharkiv overnight. The father got killed too. Mom in ICU.

#RussianWarCrimes

[Mail & Guardian @mailandguardian]

OPINION | Russian death warrant for Ukrainians: After the Russian army failed to break Ukraine militarily for about four years, they hope to win by breaking the spirit of its civilians.

https://t.co/EHEM2A0EY8

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

On this day in 1919, amid geopolitical turbulence no less severe than today, the Ukrainian People’s Republic and the Western Ukrainian People’s Republic united.

This marked a historic point of unity for the entire Ukrainian people. Today, this is one of our most significant national holidays — Unity Day.

At that time, Ukraine was fighting to protect its independence and sovereignty.

That existential fight continues today. The goal is the same. And the enemy is the same, Moscow. But the modern Ukrainian state is way stronger, its international support far greater, and our sovereignty as a state is secured by our strong Defense Forces.

On this day, I am especially grateful to all of our defenders for their service and bravery that bend the arc of history toward good. I thank all of our partners across the globe who stand in unity with us. And I congratulate all Ukrainian communities on all continents, who cherish their roots and comprise our united Ukrainian nation.

Today, Ukraine marks Unity Day during one of the most difficult winters in our modern history. But despite everything, we continue to hold our blue-and-yellow flag high — a symbol of freedom and unity — just as we did more than a hundred years ago. At the frontline and in the rear.

Because unity is the most valuable commodity in the modern turbulent and fragmented world. Unity is the very essence of the Ukrainian bravery and resilience. Unity is the reason why Ukraine shall prevail.

[Minister: International Relations and Cooperation @RonaldLamola]

We deeply appreciate this message extended to the people of South Africa thank Minister @andrii_sybiha

[Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 @andrii_sybiha]

Warmth for Ukraine from the World

We are reaching out to all Ukrainian communities abroad, partners, friends, and benefactors worldwide with a call to support the Ukrainian people during this time of extreme winter frosts and brutal Russian terror.

Today, I instructed all our foreign diplomatic missions to initiate urgent fundraising campaigns similar to the one recently conducted by our Polish friends.

As a reminder, our neighbors demonstrated true Polish leadership, already raising approximately $1 million through the "Warmth for Kyiv" initiative. I want to thank each of the nearly 24,000 donors. We will always remember your solidarity during this difficult time.

Currently, our heroes-energy workers are performing real miracles, saving lives under extreme conditions. Our government, including the teams of Prime Minister @Svyrydenko_Y and First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Energy @Denys_Shmyhal, is working 24/7 to strengthen energy security.

For its part, @MFA_Ukraine is bolstering these efforts through international support—at the level of governments, international organizations, and everyday people, communities, activists, and philanthropists. I regularly brief President @ZelenskyyUa on decisions made by partners to support Ukraine’s energy sector: Norway, the UK, Germany, Italy, Austria, and others.

We are now scaling the Polish initiative to other countries around the world.

I call upon all compassionate people worldwide—all our friends, communities, civil society, parliaments, regional and local politicians, opinion leaders, the media, and other groups—to respond to this appeal.

This assistance is urgently needed. It will go toward purchasing equipment, electricity, power supplies, and all forms of energy directly for Ukrainians and the communities in need. A small piece of your warmth will save Ukrainian families and children.

This is about more than just donations—it is about the feeling that we are not alone. It is about the conviction that Russia will not succeed in breaking us with its winter terror. It is about proving that the only response to their cruelty will be an even greater strength and global unity in support of Ukraine—both at the macro level and between people.

I thank all the benefactors worldwide who show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

[UKR Embassy in RSA @UKRinRSA]

Today, we celebrate the memory of Maria Prymachenko, one of Ukraine’s most remarkable 20th-century folk artists and a distinctive voice of naive art.

Her imaginative visual universe stands as a singular artistic and cultural phenomenon combining folk painting traditions and remarkable personal creativity. Maria Prymachenko shaped a world of her own — original, enchanting, and profoundly mysterious.