The Ukrainian ambassador to South Africa, Olexander Scherba, refused to sign the condolence book for Ayatollah Khamenei, accusing Iran of responsibility for the deaths of thousands of Ukrainians.

Olexander Scherba, the ambassador of Ukraine to South Africa, refused to sign the open book of condolences for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, emphasizing that the Iranian leader has the blood of thousands of Ukrainians on his conscience, killed by the Shahed drones supplied to Russia. In a harsh letter, Scherba explained that he cannot express condolences for someone whose death he does not mourn, considering the devastating impact of Iranian weapons on civilians in Ukraine. He also mentioned that the trauma of war has influenced his perception of these events, acknowledging that, although he does not wish to rejoice in the death of others, his experience has made him feel differently. Khamenei was killed on February 28, 2026, following coordinated military attacks, and Iran's reactions included launching missiles at Israel and attacks on American bases in the Middle East.