President Cyril Ramaphosa engaged in separate phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin this week to discuss potential peace initiatives in the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
The talks come as South Africa maintains its neutral stance in the war, despite facing criticism for not condemning Russia’s invasion. In April, Zelensky visited Pretoria, signaling Ukraine’s engagement with South Africa’s peace efforts.
Ramaphosa’s office stated that Zelensky “expressed appreciation for South Africa’s support in seeking a peaceful resolution” during their Friday conversation. This followed Thursday’s discussion with Putin, who initiated the call to update Ramaphosa on Russia’s peace process with Ukraine.
“The world recognizes South Africa’s role in promoting global peace processes,” Ramaphosa told reporters. His diplomatic outreach coincides with Putin’s consultations with Chinese and Indian leaders ahead of a potential summit with U.S. President Donald Trump.
South Africa has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict, though its refusal to take sides continues to draw mixed reactions internationally. The back-to-back calls suggest Pretoria’s ongoing attempt to facilitate dialogue between the warring nations.