MOSCOW / ISTANBUL
Russian President Vladimir Putin and his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa discussed a potential resolution in Ukraine during a phone call, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
In a statement, the Kremlin said Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s diplomatic efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
"The situation in Ukraine was touched upon. Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia's efforts aimed at a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict," the statement said.
South Africa’s presidency said on US social media company X that Putin briefed Ramaphosa on the situation in Ukraine and “Russia’s commitment to a diplomatic solution,” reiterating Pretoria’s support for diplomatic and peaceful efforts to end the war.
“This is in line with South Africa’s long-stated position during talks with both sides that all wars end through negotiations,” it said.
South Africa has offered to mediate in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is set later this month to enter its fifth year.
Ramaphosa and Putin pledged support for a process to return South Africans fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine, with teams from both sides set to continue engagements to finalize the effort.
The two leaders also stressed the importance of continuing to coordinate approaches between Russia and South Africa, including within the G20 and the BRICS bloc – which includes both countries, along with Brazil, China, India, and others – and discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Ramaphosa welcomed discussions with Moscow aimed at advancing a mutually beneficial trade and investment framework within the Russia-South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership.
South Africa’s trade with Russia is largely driven by exports of food products and capital equipment, according to the South African Foreign Ministry.