Ukrainian Embassy in the Republic of South Africa/Посольство України в Південно-Африканській Республіці
Joined May 2014
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UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Every country can help bring Ukrainian children home. Diplomacy and international mediation are essential to turning that shared responsibility into safe returns.
On 13 October in Pretoria, Bring Kids Back UA co-hosted a dialogue on diplomacy, humanitarian mediation and a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. Building on September’s Pathways to Peace conference in Toronto, the event brought together representatives of Ukraine, South Africa, Norway, the European Union and Canada.
The discussion explored how international cooperation can help return Ukrainian children deported or forcibly transferred by Russia and secure the release of prisoners of war and unlawfully detained civilians. Respect for international law, the UN Charter and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must underpin these efforts.
We thank our co-hosts:
• The Embassy of Ukraine in South Africa @UKRinRSA and Ambassador Oleksandr Scherba @olex_scherba;
• The Royal Norwegian Embassy and Ambassador Anne Beathe Kristiansen @NorAmbSA;
• The EU Delegation to South Africa @EUinSA and Ambassador Kristian Schmidt.
Thank you to Prof. Erin McCandless for moderating the panel, and to Jonathan Passmoor of @DIRCO_ZA and Matthew Loken, Deputy Head of Mission at @CanHCZA, for contributing to the discussion on humanitarian mediation and international cooperation.
We are grateful to Daria Herasymchuk @HerasymchukD, Ukraine’s Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights and Child Rehabilitation, for her closing appeal to strengthen action for children under Russian control.
The screening of “Ash and Crayons” brought children’s experiences into the conversation. Thank you to director Evgeny Afineevsky, the film’s team, and the children and families who shared their stories.
The next steps must be practical: establish children’s whereabouts, support safe routes home, and provide sustained rehabilitation and reintegration after return. Countries across every region can contribute through diplomacy, humanitarian cooperation and advocacy.
The immediate, safe and unconditional return of Ukrainian children is a legal and humanitarian obligation. It cannot wait for a peace agreement.
#BringKidsBack #PathwaysToPeace
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Ще одна країна спростила візовий режим з Україною – цього разу Південно-Африканська Республіка.
Отримання 90-денної візи, на яке раніше потрібно було два місяці і дві (!) поїздки в сусідню Польщу – тепер справа лічених хвилин на смартфоні, після чого протягом 24 годин людина має отримувати візу за новою візовою системою ETA.
Україна стала одною з перших країн з доступом до цієї системи. Перші візи вже видані. Наше посольство в ПАР @UKRinRSA та посол @olex_scherba повідомляють подробиці нових процедур.
Дякую уряду ПАР та моїм колегам Роналду Ламолі та Леону Шрайберу за це рішення. Чекаємо на нові позитивні кроки.
🇺🇦🇿🇦
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Another country has simplified its visa regime with Ukraine—this time, South Africa.
Getting a 90-day visa used to take two months and two (!) trips to neighboring Poland. Now, it takes just a few minutes on your smartphone, after which you should receive your visa within 24 hours under the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) system.
Ukraine is one of the first countries to gain access to this system, and the first visas have already been issued. All details on the new procedures are clarified by @UKRinRSA and our Ambassador @olex_scherba.
I am grateful to the South African government and my colleagues @RonaldLamola and @Leon_Schreib for this decision. Looking forward to more positive developments. 🇺🇦🇿🇦
🇺🇦 Happy Independence Day of Ukraine!
Today, we celebrate 35 years of Ukraine’s restored independence and honour our centuries-long history.
Millions of Ukrainians before us made this day possible – nurturing and defending our language, culture and dignity, and carrying forward an enduring desire for freedom.
But our unity is rooted not only in our shared heritage. Millions of Ukrainians make Independence Day possible today and for years to come – and for that we are immensely grateful. We honour our defenders and remember all those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence.
On this celebratory day, and on every day, Ukrainians have each other.
Our gratitude also goes to every partner who stands with Ukraine and works with us towards a lasting peace. And we are inspired to build a future together – a free, secure, innovative and prosperous European Ukraine.
Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes! 🇺🇦
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Today, we mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, as the country continues to defend its sovereignty and freedom against Russia’s colonialism and war of aggression.
France stands firmly with Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, and reaffirms its unwavering support 🇫🇷🇺🇦
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
On Ukraine’s Independence Day, Norway honours the resilience and courage of Ukrainians defending their sovereignty and right to self-determination.
Ukraine’s fight for freedom is also a fight for principles of #InternationalLaw
#StandWithUkraine 🇳🇴🤝🇺🇦
📸NTB
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Today, Ukraine marks 35 years since the restoration of our Independence 🇺🇦
For 35 years, every day has been a day of independence in its own way. Today, we are fighting an existential war — and proving once again that no empire, no dictator, and no other state has the right to decide Ukraine’s future for us.
Independence is the right to be ourselves, to choose our own path, our friends and allies, and to build the country we want to live in. Our task is to make this freedom protected, irreversible, and secure — so that our children have a better future.
And today, we know for sure who our true friends are. We are deeply grateful to all our partners who have stood with Ukraine, strengthened our ability to defend ourselves, and helped us preserve the freedom we fought so hard to regain. Your support is part of Ukraine’s strength.
We fight for Ukraine’s independence — and for the right of every sovereign nation to determine its own future and live free from aggression.
We inherited the fight for independence from generations before us. Our task is to make sure the next generation inherits independence itself.
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
35 years of our independence. Thirty-five years since the Act of Declaration of Independence of Ukraine was adopted. Ukrainians preserved the independence of their country. And we will certainly defend Ukraine’s independence. There is no doubt about that. Ukraine will always be independent.
Ukrainians will not be paving stones under the feet of tsars and rulers. Ukrainians will not be bargaining chips in disputes between capitals. Ukrainians will not submit to what they do not believe in, and they certainly will not abandon their dream – the dream of living, the dream of living independently.
On the occasion of our greatest national holiday, we are presenting Ukrainian state awards to those people without whom Ukraine would not exist, and to those whose destinies largely determine what kind of country Ukraine will be. Our warriors, our civilians – those who have done and continue to do everything so that Ukraine exists in this world, so that it is truly free, and so that the name of Ukraine is spoken with pride.
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Happy 🇺🇦 Independence Day!
May freedom & peace prevail!
May the nightmare of Russian aggression end!
May the occupiers face justice for what they did!
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Russian drone targeted a usual commute bus (“marshrutka”) in 🇺🇦 Kherson. Four dead - elderly people from 63 to 89.
They hunt the elderly, just for fun.
It may be hard to comprehend what 975 years means. Not just the changing of seasons, but generations of people, societies, technologies and even empires coming and going.
Yet some places have stood through it all – and now the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra marks its 975th anniversary.
For almost a millennium, the Lavra has been a place where culture and knowledge have flourished. It brought together scholars, writers, artists, craftsmen and physicians, leaving a lasting mark on Ukraine’s and Europe’s spiritual and cultural life.
The Lavra’s history is a powerful reminder of why it must be protected – as a part of Ukraine’s national memory and of the world’s shared cultural heritage.
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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!
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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. 🇺🇦🇿🇦
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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!
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
Out of all heartbreaking Bucha videos this one stuck with me the most. The poor woman.
#BuchaMassacre
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.
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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.
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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.
🇺🇦🤝🇿🇦
UKR Embassy in RSA retweeted
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