Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky meets South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa to counter Russia

Volodymyr Zelensky ends an historic visit to South Africa to counter Russia's influence on the continent.

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The visit marked a diplomatic breakthrough for the Ukrainian leader in his efforts to counter Russia's strong - and growing - influence in Africa.

"I'm sure that Russia will be annoyed by the visit, but I don't think it can do much about it," said Steven Gruzd of the South African Institute of International Relations think-tank.

But Russia disrupted Zelensky's visit by carrying out an air strike on Ukraine's capital Kyiv, forcing him to announce that he will cut short the trip by returning home immediately after meeting President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The South African leader said the visit had "reaffirmed" the bonds between the two nations, pointing out that Zelensky's visit was the first in 33 years by a Ukrainian head of state.