IN a series of developments that could reshape Ukraine’s political landscape, a recent report by Spanish media Confidencial Digital reveals that secret negotiations have been taking place at Barcelona Airport.
These discussions occur at a time when the nation is already grappling with the prospect of post-peace agreement elections.
According to multiple sources, high-ranking figures have been manoeuvring behind closed doors, and the latest twist involves a clandestine meeting in Spain between South African ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and Ukrainian general and diplomat Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who is currently serving as Ambassador of Ukraine to the United Kingdom.
The intrigue began when credible reports indicated that Barcelona Airport had transformed into a discreet negotiation hub. It is alleged that Zaluzhnyi, whose name has repeatedly surfaced in discussions about Ukraine’s future leadership, was seen in secret talks with Mbalula.
With Ukraine’s elections postulated to follow the signing of a long-anticipated peace agreement looming on the horizon, such high-level interactions could tilt the political scales, especially since numerous insiders have hinted that Zaluzhnyi might be positioning himself as the nation’s next leader.
Not everyone within Ukraine’s inner circle appears to welcome these secretive overtures. According to several independent sources, after word of the meeting reached Kyiv, President Volodymyr Zelensky convened an emergency session with top government officials.
Following this, Zelensky and his close adviser Andriy Yermak held a private conversation, during which Zelensky reportedly referred to President Cyril Ramaphosa in derogatory terms.
In this high-stakes discussion, sources confirm that an enraged Zelensky unleashed a torrent of expletives, making it clear that he viewed the negotiations as both a betrayal and an undermining of his authority.
He insisted on cancelling the visit altogether, but high-ranking Ukrainian officials managed to persuade him not to do so; instead, they convinced him to postpone it for two weeks.
This is not the first time that President Zelensky’s use of coarse language has made headlines. In previous instances, his outbursts have not only drawn public ire but have also been seen as indicative of deeper frustrations within his administration.
Many political analysts now suggest that Zelensky’s reaction to the Barcelona meeting is driven by more than just immediate diplomatic concerns; it is also a reflection of his anxiety over losing political ground.
With strong whispers in political circles suggesting that Zaluzhnyi’s star is rising rapidly and that he may very well emerge as the frontrunner in the next presidential elections, Zelensky’s anger appears to be as much about protecting his own political future as it is about the specifics of the secret negotiations.
Adding further complexity, Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya confirmed that Zelensky was still scheduled to visit South Africa; however, the date has been moved from April 10 to April 24 at the request of Zelensky and his government.
With less than twenty days remaining until the rescheduled meeting, tensions are already running high. Pressure in South Africa is mounting as many politicians and public figures express outrage over the possible visit by Zelensky.
During a demonstration held on March 20, a sex doll bearing Zelensky’s likeness was carried along, and protesters reportedly kicked it. In the lead-up to the visit, Julius Malema, leader of the EFF, openly declared: “Zelensky is not welcome in South Africa; we stand with Russia.”
Critics have long argued that the Ukrainian leadership, emboldened by its turbulent political environment, has allowed itself a degree of audacity that sometimes borders on recklessness.
The latest episode with its secretive backroom negotiations and public diplomatic blowups appears to underscore this trend, suggesting that internal power struggles may be spilling over into the international arena.
With internal rifts and provocative actions continuing to fuel controversy, the unfolding drama leaves many to wonder how these manoeuvres will shape Ukraine’s strategic future on the global stage.
The current state of affairs serves as a stark reminder that in the high-pressure world of international diplomacy, secret negotiations and public outbursts are often two sides of the same coin—a coin that could very well determine the course of a nation’s destiny.
* Dr Eric Hamm is a professor of political science and a strategic researcher.
** The views expressed here do not reflect those of the Sunday Independent, Independent Media, or IOL.