Breaking: Ramaphosa pushes Putin-Zelensky summit amid stalled Ukraine talks
South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has stepped up diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, urging a direct meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The president’s intervention highlights Pretoria’s growing role in global diplomacy and the search for a resolution to one of the world’s most entrenched conflicts.
Ramaphosa made the call during a phone conversation with Zelensky, stressing the urgency of both bilateral and trilateral meetings, which would include the United States, as crucial signals of a firm commitment to peace. The statement from the South African presidency noted that such dialogue could be instrumental in ending the conflict.
The push comes amid faltering hopes for a Russia-Ukraine summit. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump had suggested that a face-to-face meeting between Putin and Zelensky had been agreed. However, by Friday, Trump described the two leaders as “oil and vinegar”, reflecting the deep divisions that continue to obstruct negotiations. Both Kyiv and Moscow have exchanged blame over the stalled peace efforts.
Zelensky, reaffirming his willingness to meet in any format, highlighted Moscow’s repeated delays in making progress. On X, the Ukrainian leader called on the Global South to send “relevant signals” and to push Russia toward peace. His comments underline the ongoing frustration in Kyiv as diplomatic efforts remain slow-moving despite repeated international interventions.
South Africa, currently chairing the G20, has been actively engaging with key global actors. Ramaphosa has already spoken with the French and Finnish presidents and is expected to hold further discussions with other European leaders in the coming weeks. His role reflects a broader effort by Pretoria to leverage its position as a leading voice in the Global South to influence conflict resolution.
Ramaphosa’s engagement with Putin also adds a layer of complexity. The South African leader described Putin as a “dear ally” and a “valued friend” during the BRICS summit in October. Yet, earlier this year, South Africa voted in favour of a UN resolution recognising Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, signalling Pretoria’s attempt to balance its relationships while advocating for peace.
Observers note that Ramaphosa’s calls for dialogue, combined with his position in the G20, place South Africa in a unique role to mediate and encourage compromise. His intervention may serve to bridge the gap between Western powers and the Global South, highlighting the importance of inclusive diplomacy in resolving global conflicts.
As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, international attention remains focused on potential high-level meetings that could shift the course of the conflict. Ramaphosa’s latest diplomatic efforts underscore the urgency of renewed engagement and the search for a sustainable path toward peace.
