South African President Urges Ukraine and Russia to Seek Peaceful Resolution
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa arrived in Ukraine on a peace-brokering mission and called for de-escalation between Ukraine and Russia. Following talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Ramaphosa emphasized the need for negotiations and a settlement to end the war. The South African leader was part of a delegation comprising African leaders and officials from seven countries who visited Kyiv to facilitate peace between the warring nations.
Visiting Bucha, Witnesses of Alleged Massacre
As part of their visit, the leaders traveled to Bucha near Kyiv, a town associated with an alleged massacre that occurred during the Russian occupation. Shortly after their arrival, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine, prompting the country’s air force to report the downing of 12 Russian missiles. Ramaphosa’s spokesperson confirmed that the president sought shelter during the air raid. Ramaphosa expressed his concern about the hostilities, emphasizing the importance of de-escalation on both sides.
African Leaders Engage in Honest Dialogue
The delegation, which included leaders from Senegal, Zambia, and Comoros, engaged in discussions with President Zelensky about the situation in Ukraine. Ramaphosa praised Zelensky for providing an honest and heartfelt account of the ongoing crisis. Zelensky, in a social media post, stated that they explored ways to achieve a true and just peace without succumbing to Russian blackmail and deception. He emphasized the urgency of ending frozen conflicts and simmering wars, stressing the need for peace.
Anticipating Engagement with President Putin
While Ukraine announced gains in its counteroffensive, Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed the chances of success for Ukrainian forces. Ramaphosa and the African delegation are scheduled to meet with President Putin to listen to both countries’ perspectives. The South African president expressed the importance of carefully considering the views of Ukraine and Russia. He also expressed optimism about further engagement and collaboration among the seven countries in finding a way forward.
SOURCE: Ref Image from France24
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