President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in pivotal discussions with key European leaders on Saturday, focusing on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and efforts to broker peace.

The discussions, initiated by the recent meetings convened by former US President Donald Trump with both President Vladimir Putin of Russia and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, underscored South Africa’s commitment to fostering a resolution to the war.

During a series of telephone calls, President Ramaphosa spoke directly with his counterparts, including President Zelenskyy and President Emmanuel Macron of France.

He has also been in touch with Finland’s former Prime Minister, Alexander Stubb, to discuss a collaborative approach to the escalating situation.

The Presidency said these conversations come on the heels of a briefing from President Putin, following his own recent discussions with President Trump, indicating that international dialogue on the matter is intensifying.

In these talks, European leaders openly shared their perspectives on the conflict and expressed strong appreciation for South Africa’s mediatory role that seeks to bridge gaps between the warring nations.

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed the crucial importance of maintaining an urgent dialogue, proposing that bilateral and trilateral meetings between the leaders of Russia, Ukraine, and the United States could serve as a significant step towards establishing a framework for peace.

“We must seize this moment,” he stated, urging all parties involved to sustain momentum in the pursuit of an end to hostilities.

The discussions come at a critical juncture, with the upcoming G20 summit placing South Africa in the limelight as it assumes the presidency for this influential gathering.

Ramaphosa reiterated his warm wishes for South Africa’s success in steering a course toward equitable and inclusive global governance, especially with France’s upcoming G7 presidency in 2026 also in view.

As Ramaphosa moves to continue this dialogue with European leaders, his administration remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitate peace in the Great Lakes region and beyond. Additional discussions with other European leaders are expected in the coming weeks as South Africa intensifies its diplomatic efforts in the run-up to this year’s United Nations General Assembly scheduled for September.

IOL News 

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