Ramaphosa holds talks with European leaders on Russia-Ukraine peace efforts

President Cyril Ramaphosa held a series of high-level discussions with European leaders on Saturday, as part of renewed efforts to advance peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, the talks formed part of a broader wave of diplomatic engagements that followed meetings in the United States earlier this month.

United States President Donald Trump hosted separate discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and several European leaders recently in an effort to revive momentum in finding a peace deal.

Ramaphosa, who has maintained South Africa’s position as a mediator and advocate for dialogue, held telephone conversations with President Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.

According to the presidency, Ramaphosa will conduct further calls with additional European leaders scheduled in the coming weeks.

During Saturday’s talks, the Presidency said the leaders openly shared their perspectives on the ongoing conflict and expressed appreciation for South Africa’s role in engaging both sides. They also provided President Ramaphosa with a firm commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Ramaphosa noted that he had received a detailed briefing from President Putin last week, following Putin’s meeting with President Trump.

“President Putin expressed satisfaction with the manner in which his talks with President Trump proceeded and the emerging alignment on the peace process,” said the Presidency

Both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests.

During his discussions with European leaders, Ramaphosa highlighted the urgency of holding direct bilateral and trilateral engagements between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.

He stressed that such talks would be vital in signalling a concrete commitment to peace and in building confidence among all parties.

“President Ramaphosa calls on all parties to seize this moment and sustain the momentum towards peace between Russia and Ukraine.”