Staff Reporter
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has spoken to President Cyril Ramaphosa in a phone call to discuss ways to achieve “real peace” and end the killings in Ukraine.
In a post on X, Zelenskyy described the call as a “friendly and candid conversation” focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
He thanked South Africa for its continued support in peace efforts and reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to securing a lasting settlement with Russia.
The South African government has faced domestic and international criticism for its initial refusal to condemn Russia’s invasion, maintaining instead that it holds a non-aligned position.
In April, Ramaphosa hosted Zelenskyy in Pretoria.
“The efforts that this country makes in fostering peace processes around the world are recognised,” Ramaphosa told journalists earlier on Friday.
Ramaphosa has also spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Putin’s request for a briefing on the peace process.
“President Putin expressed his recognition and appreciation for South Africa’s involvement in advancing a peace process between Russia and Ukraine. President Ramaphosa welcomed the briefing and expressed South Africa’s full support to peace initiatives that will end the war and contribute to a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine,” the Presidency said in a statement.
On Friday, Putin also held further consultations with the leaders of China and India as he sought backing from key allies ahead of a possible summit with US president Donald Trump.
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