Ramaphosa calls Zelenskyy after his conversation with Putin: What he says

Ramaphosa and Zelenskyy’s conversation

The head of the Ukrainian state noted that he had a friendly and candid discussion with Ramaphosa about how to achieve peace between Ukraine and Russia and stop the killings.

Zelenskyy said he informed his counterpart about his contacts with US President Donald Trump and European leaders.

"Much has already been done. We are coordinating our joint position with all partners, and this position must be strong. It’s about the future security architecture not only for Ukraine but for Europe and the entire world," the Ukrainian president added.

According to him, Ramaphosa, in turn, shared details of his conversation with Putin. Zelenskyy did not elaborate on what exactly the South African president had said but emphasized that the path to peace must begin with a ceasefire.

"We are ready for this, as well as for meetings at the highest level in various formats. From the very first seconds of the war, we have wanted to end it, because Ukraine did not start this war. It is Russia that is the sole reason for the prolongation and absence of peace," he added.

Ramaphosa and Putin’s conversation

According to the Office of the President of South Africa, Putin informed Ramaphosa about the peace process with Ukraine during their conversation.

In turn, the South African leader expressed his support for peace initiatives that would bring an end to the war and contribute to lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.

The Kremlin added that Putin told Ramaphosa about his meeting with the US President's special representative, Steve Witkoff.

South Africa as a mediator

In 2023, South Africa, along with five other African countries, proposed their own peace plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine. The plan consists of 10 points.

It includes, among other things, a diplomatic resolution, the exchange of prisoners of war, the return of abducted Ukrainian children, and more.