African Leaders To Hold Talks With Putin On Resolving Conflict In Ukraine
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg taking place from 27 to 28 July 2023. Picture: GCIS
JOHANNESBURG – As the next phase in their peace plan to resolve the violence in Ukraine, President Cyril Ramaphosa and six of his counterparts will meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday night.
They are interested in finding out if he will consent to some of the 10 demands they made of him during a meeting in Russia last month.
At the second Russia-Africa conference, Putin has been hosting African leaders in an effort to improve economic ties between his nation and the continent.
Ramaphosa stated Friday during a plenary address at the Russia-Africa Summit that African nations ought to have the freedom to choose their own foreign policy.
He argued that this strategy shouldn’t be subject to any significant global powers or blocs.
“This second Russia-Africa summit is an opportunity to further enhance and strengthen cooperation and partnership for Africa’s development.”
African leaders, according to Ramaphosa, are eager to talk with Putin again about their plan to put an end to the violence in Ukraine.
“As South Africa, we are steadfast in our position that negotiation and dialogue and adherence to the United Nations charter are necessary for peaceful and just resolution of conflicts.”
Among the measures put to Putin last month is the release of prisoners of war, and the return of Ukrainian children taken to Russia.
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