KYIV
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met several African leaders Friday in Kyiv to discuss ways to end the war in his country.
The delegation included Comoros President Azali Assoumani, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema and Senegalese President Macky Sall.
Egypt, Republic of the Congo and Uganda sent representatives.
The African leaders paid respects at a cemetery in Bucha where 458 civilians, allegedly killed by Russian forces, were laid to rest.
They also explored an open-air exhibition at Mykhailivska Square, showcasing Russian military equipment that was destroyed during the war. Afterward, they met Zelenskyy.
Speaking at a joint news conference, Zelenskyy said Russia needs to freeze the war to allow negotiations now while it is on Ukraine's territory.
"It is obvious that Russia is now trying to return to its old primitive tactics of deception. But fooling the world in Russia will no longer work. It is definitely impossible to deceive Ukraine. I emphasize once again: We need real peace, and therefore, a real withdrawal of Russian troops from our entire independent land," he said.
Ramaphosa said the war should be resolved through diplomatic means.
Underlining the need to reduce tensions, Ramaphosa said: "Today, during our visit, we heard missile strikes. Such activity does not work well for peace. Therefore, we are talking about the need for de-escalation on both sides so that peace finds a way to come through and resolve the situation," he said.
Ukraine and Russia should provide grain and fertilizer exports, he said, before adding one of the reasons for coming to Ukraine is that Africa was also affected by the negative results of the war.
“Our grain prices have increased, we also have a shortage of fertilizers, and their prices have increased," he said.
