...rallies support against Russian aggression
American-Ukrainian television and political journalist Peter Zalmayev was recently in Gaborone as part of a 40-country tour under the banner of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative. His mission was to hold open dialogues and foster deeper understanding about the ongoing Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. As director of the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, Zalmayev has travelled extensively, engaging with host nations to counter Russian narratives and advocate for global support for Ukraine.
For him the protracted war against his country Ukraine is deeply personal and in a no holds barred interview with Botswana Guardian during his stay in the capital Zalmayev made it clear that his home country coming under attack by a nuclear superpower is devastating.
But more than that, it is a call to action for countries around the world, which has initiated his ambitious 40 country tour. Zalmayev, who also hosts an international weekly program on Ukrainian television, is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was scheduled to hold talks this week with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss peace efforts for the Russia- Ukrain war.
The meeting is seen as a significant diplomatic development, part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to re-engage with Africa following last year’s high-level visit by African leaders to Kyiv. "This is a pivotal moment,President Zelensky’s visit to South Africa marks his first trip to the continent. Ukraine is no longer willing to cede influence to Russia in Africa. We are ready to share our narrative, our truth," he said. Zalmayev's remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of US President Donald Trump's position on Ukraine. In recent statements, Trump criticized the volume of aid being sent to Ukraine, claiming the figure stood at $300 billion.
"He’s inflating the numbers, the actual support is under $150 billion. But Trump says one thing, then turns around and says another. First, he calls it Biden’s war and insists it wouldn’t have happened under his watch. Then he demands Ukraine thank him for aid and pay the US back. It’s schizophrenic", he said. This diplomatic tour has taken Zalmayev from Oceania countries including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea to southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Throughout his journey, he has encountered a range of perspectives, especially in African countries where Russian influence remains strong.
"In Africa, Russia has a clear advantage," he explained. "They’ve been active here for decades, through the Soviet Union’s support for anti-apartheid movements and now through the deployment of groups Wagner mercenaries in places like the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Mali. They have boots on the ground, embassies, and a sophisticated propaganda machine." Zalmayev is particularly concerned about how Russia has framed the war to appeal to African sentiments.
"Russia is playing the anti-colonial card very well. They tell African nations, 'We were never colonizers like the British or the French.' They position themselves as allies in the fight against Western imperialism. However what they are doing to Ukraine is the definition of neo-colonial conquest." According to Zalmayev, many African countries have shown unexpected sympathy for the Russian narrative. "During my visits, I’ve had to engage with a variety of misconceptions. People often don’t realize Ukraine never posed a threat to Russia. We are simply neighbors. Yet Russia accuses us of provoking a war. It’s eerily reminiscent of 1939, when Hitler accused Poland of attacking Germany as a pretext to invade." On the subject of NATO, Zalmayev acknowledged the complexities surrounding Ukraine's ambitions to join the alliance.
"Russia claims NATO expansion is an existential threat. They liken it to America’s Monroe Doctrine, which opposes foreign interference in Latin America. But the idea that Ukraine’s sovereignty should be subordinated to Russian security paranoia is unacceptable." He added, "I do not believe Putin is truly afraid of NATO. That’s just a pretext. The real motive is empire,he wants to restore control over what he considers the Russian world. He sees Ukraine not as a separate nation but as part of a greater Russian civilization." Zalmayev pointed to the years-long propaganda effort in Russia to demonize Ukraine, starting even before the 2014 annexation of Crimea. "They’ve invested years in building this narrative. They’ve blamed us for everything from the downing of the Malaysian airliner to fascism. Their federal TV stations and influencers have repeated these lies endlessly. It’s an information war that parallels the ground conflict." He believes that Ukraine's efforts to reset relations with Africa could be pivotal. "Africa matters. We’re no longer content with being absent from this continent. Egypt already buys our grain, but now we want to build something more sustainable, partnerships based on mutual respect and shared democratic values."
The planned meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Ramaphosa is expected to center around peace prospects and bilateral cooperation. Ramaphosa, who led a delegation of African leaders to Ukraine during the height of hostilities last year, may now play a more active mediating role. "The African Peace Initiative may have its critics, but it’s a sign that African states are no longer content with being mere observers in global affairs," said Zalmayev. "This is about Africa taking a stand, not for Ukraine per se, but for international law and sovereignty." Zalmayev emphasized that Ukraine’s appeal to Africa is not just diplomatic posturing but a realignment of its foreign policy priorities.
"We want Africa to know that we see you, we hear you, and we want to work with you. We’re not here with guns and mercenaries. We’re here with ideas, values, and a desire for peace." He acknowledged the road ahead will not be easy. "Changing perceptions takes time. Russia has spent decades laying the groundwork for influence here. We are late to the game, but we’re here now. And we intend to stay." Through the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, Zalmayev plans to continue his global tour to more countries in Africa and beyond, reaching new audiences and forging alliances.
For him the protracted war against his country Ukraine is deeply personal and in a no holds barred interview with Botswana Guardian during his stay in the capital Zalmayev made it clear that his home country coming under attack by a nuclear superpower is devastating.
But more than that, it is a call to action for countries around the world, which has initiated his ambitious 40 country tour. Zalmayev, who also hosts an international weekly program on Ukrainian television, is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was scheduled to hold talks this week with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in an effort to strengthen bilateral ties and discuss peace efforts for the Russia- Ukrain war.
The meeting is seen as a significant diplomatic development, part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to re-engage with Africa following last year’s high-level visit by African leaders to Kyiv. "This is a pivotal moment,President Zelensky’s visit to South Africa marks his first trip to the continent. Ukraine is no longer willing to cede influence to Russia in Africa. We are ready to share our narrative, our truth," he said. Zalmayev's remarks come amid growing international scrutiny of US President Donald Trump's position on Ukraine. In recent statements, Trump criticized the volume of aid being sent to Ukraine, claiming the figure stood at $300 billion.
"He’s inflating the numbers, the actual support is under $150 billion. But Trump says one thing, then turns around and says another. First, he calls it Biden’s war and insists it wouldn’t have happened under his watch. Then he demands Ukraine thank him for aid and pay the US back. It’s schizophrenic", he said. This diplomatic tour has taken Zalmayev from Oceania countries including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea to southern Africa, including South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana. Throughout his journey, he has encountered a range of perspectives, especially in African countries where Russian influence remains strong.
"In Africa, Russia has a clear advantage," he explained. "They’ve been active here for decades, through the Soviet Union’s support for anti-apartheid movements and now through the deployment of groups Wagner mercenaries in places like the Central African Republic, Sudan, and Mali. They have boots on the ground, embassies, and a sophisticated propaganda machine." Zalmayev is particularly concerned about how Russia has framed the war to appeal to African sentiments.
"Russia is playing the anti-colonial card very well. They tell African nations, 'We were never colonizers like the British or the French.' They position themselves as allies in the fight against Western imperialism. However what they are doing to Ukraine is the definition of neo-colonial conquest." According to Zalmayev, many African countries have shown unexpected sympathy for the Russian narrative. "During my visits, I’ve had to engage with a variety of misconceptions. People often don’t realize Ukraine never posed a threat to Russia. We are simply neighbors. Yet Russia accuses us of provoking a war. It’s eerily reminiscent of 1939, when Hitler accused Poland of attacking Germany as a pretext to invade." On the subject of NATO, Zalmayev acknowledged the complexities surrounding Ukraine's ambitions to join the alliance.
"Russia claims NATO expansion is an existential threat. They liken it to America’s Monroe Doctrine, which opposes foreign interference in Latin America. But the idea that Ukraine’s sovereignty should be subordinated to Russian security paranoia is unacceptable." He added, "I do not believe Putin is truly afraid of NATO. That’s just a pretext. The real motive is empire,he wants to restore control over what he considers the Russian world. He sees Ukraine not as a separate nation but as part of a greater Russian civilization." Zalmayev pointed to the years-long propaganda effort in Russia to demonize Ukraine, starting even before the 2014 annexation of Crimea. "They’ve invested years in building this narrative. They’ve blamed us for everything from the downing of the Malaysian airliner to fascism. Their federal TV stations and influencers have repeated these lies endlessly. It’s an information war that parallels the ground conflict." He believes that Ukraine's efforts to reset relations with Africa could be pivotal. "Africa matters. We’re no longer content with being absent from this continent. Egypt already buys our grain, but now we want to build something more sustainable, partnerships based on mutual respect and shared democratic values."
The planned meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Ramaphosa is expected to center around peace prospects and bilateral cooperation. Ramaphosa, who led a delegation of African leaders to Ukraine during the height of hostilities last year, may now play a more active mediating role. "The African Peace Initiative may have its critics, but it’s a sign that African states are no longer content with being mere observers in global affairs," said Zalmayev. "This is about Africa taking a stand, not for Ukraine per se, but for international law and sovereignty." Zalmayev emphasized that Ukraine’s appeal to Africa is not just diplomatic posturing but a realignment of its foreign policy priorities.
"We want Africa to know that we see you, we hear you, and we want to work with you. We’re not here with guns and mercenaries. We’re here with ideas, values, and a desire for peace." He acknowledged the road ahead will not be easy. "Changing perceptions takes time. Russia has spent decades laying the groundwork for influence here. We are late to the game, but we’re here now. And we intend to stay." Through the Eurasia Democracy Initiative, Zalmayev plans to continue his global tour to more countries in Africa and beyond, reaching new audiences and forging alliances.
