As hopes for a direct Russia-Ukraine summit falter, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has added his voice to international calls for dialogue.
On Saturday, he urged both Kyiv and Moscow to meet, emphasizing the importance of negotiations in ending the ongoing war.
A Call Made in Conversation With Zelensky
Ramaphosa’s appeal came during a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Pretoria’s official statement highlighted that the South African leader stressed the urgency of bilateral and trilateral talks—including the involvement of the United States—as a key signal of commitment to peace.
Zelensky later echoed the sentiment on social media, expressing his readiness for “any format of meeting with the head of Russia.”
However, he criticized Moscow for stalling once again, calling on the Global South to send “relevant signals and push Russia toward peace.”
Oil and Vinegar Diplomacy
Earlier in the week, US President Donald Trump raised hopes by suggesting that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky were ready for a face-to-face meeting.
By Friday, he likened the two leaders to “oil and vinegar,” underscoring the challenges of bringing them together.
Both Kyiv and Moscow have blamed each other for the stalled peace efforts, leaving international mediators searching for new avenues.
Ramaphosa’s Wider Diplomatic Efforts
Pretoria’s statement also noted that Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20, has been actively engaging with other global leaders.
He spoke with the French and Finnish presidents and plans to hold discussions with additional European leaders in the coming weeks.
Balancing Relations With Russia and Ukraine
Ramaphosa has historically maintained a cordial relationship with Putin, whom he called a “dear ally” and “valued friend” at the BRICS summit last October.
Yet, in a significant diplomatic shift, South Africa voted earlier this year in favor of a UN resolution affirming that Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
This dual approach reflects Pretoria’s attempt to balance international pressure while maintaining ties with both sides.
The Global South’s Role in Peace Efforts
The South African president’s intervention highlights the influence and responsibility of Global South nations in the Ukraine conflict.
By leveraging his position and diplomatic contacts, Ramaphosa hopes to reinvigorate stalled peace efforts and signal that multilateral engagement remains possible.
