President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin following Putin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska last week.
According to a statement from the Presidency on Monday, Putin expressed satisfaction with the discussions, describing them as constructive and aligned on the broader peace process.
While Trump said “great progress” had been achieved in efforts to ease the conflict in Ukraine, no mention was made of a ceasefire.
The call comes against the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic manoeuvres. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the White House later today, where he is scheduled to meet Trump and several European leaders.
The visit follows a tense Oval Office encounter in February, when Trump accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for US support.
For Ramaphosa, the conversation with Putin marked a continuation of South Africa’s engagement in global peace efforts.
More than two years ago, he joined a delegation of African leaders who visited Ukraine and Russia in an attempt to promote dialogue and propose a peace plan.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa and Putin agreed to keep communication channels open and to strengthen cooperation on bilateral matters.
Ramaphosa reiterated the importance of compromise on key issues, stressing that meaningful concessions would be essential for lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that Trump has extended an invitation to European leaders to participate in his meeting with Zelensky later today.
Facebook Comments