South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Ukrainian President Volodymr Zelenskyy shake hands. Image: Rusi.
(The Post News) – Addressing the media after Thursday’s United Nations General Assembly session, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa revealed he had offered South Africa as a venue to host peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Speaking with the Ukrainian president throughout the UNGA, the president realized that South Africa would be a suitable venue to host the negotiation, as it has a history of being a conflict resolution destination. He joked, “Maybe it has to do with the water in South Africa or the air in South Africa.”
Ramaphosa Highlights SA’s Diplomatic Ties with Ukraine and Russia
Additionally, according to Ramaphosa, the country has positive relations with Ukraine, Russia, and their mediator—the United States. He said these countries listen to the South African council, as the country shows a ‘great deal of respect and willingness’ to help when necessary.
The news follows Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky’s announcement of the offer the day prior on X. He thanked the president for his “readiness to host a meeting with no preconditions.” He also shared that he had made Ramaphosa aware of the civilian-targeted strikes by Russia at a bilateral meeting.
After those talks, Zelensky stressed that security was impossible without strong allies. “International law does not fully function without powerful friends ready to defend it,” he said.
Ramaphosa has championed peace between the two nations and has said he would relay the offer to Russian President Vladimir Putin. After a week of peace advocacy—including his speech talking about the Gaza crisis—the president is expected to return to South Africa over the weekend.
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