South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday he would soon invite his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss an “inclusive peace process” to end the conflict sparked by Russia’s 2022 invasion.
The proposal comes amid strong criticism of steps taken by Russia and the United States to negotiate an end to the war through talks that did not invite Ukraine and its European allies. “I welcome the constructive dialogue with President Zelensky and I look forward to hosting him for a state visit to South Africa soon,” Ramaphosa told the X.
The two leaders agreed on the “urgent need for an inclusive peace process that includes all parties,” he said. “South Africa is committed to supporting the dialogue process between Russia and Ukraine,” he said. Meanwhile, Zelensky thanked Ramaphosa for supporting “Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and expressed hope for peace this year.
“It is important that our countries share a common position: there is nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine. We all hope to achieve a just and lasting peace this year. South Africa’s voice is important and we count on its support,” he wrote.
South Africa has been accused of leaning toward Moscow, despite trying to appear neutral in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Ramaphosa described Russia as a “valuable friend and ally” at the BRICS summit of major emerging economies hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin in October.
Ramaphosa held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of a meeting of top diplomats from the Group of 20 (G20) in Johannesburg on Thursday. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not attend the two-day meeting in South Africa after accusing Pretoria of having an ‘anti-American’ agenda.
