President Cyril Ramaphosa in Kyiv 16 June 2023. Picture - GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa landed in Russia on Saturday, bolstering an African delegation’s resolve to mediate peace between Moscow and Kyiv.
His arrival in Russia’s cultural capital, Saint Petersburg, followed productive talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Ramaphosa, accompanied by other African leaders from Zambia, Senegal, and Comoros, is spearheading a mission to instigate peace talks surrounding the 16-month conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In his discussion with Putin today, Ramaphosa will emphasise the importance of the United Nations Charter and the necessity of respecting nations’ sovereignty.
Presidential spokesperson Vincent Magweny faced backlash for denying the Kyiv air raid, saying on Friday he “didn’t hear the sirens or the explosions.”
His comment was lapped up by Russian state media and spread as supposed as proof of a fabricated missile assault.
This, in turn, sparked widespread criticism on social media, with British journalist Oz Katerji placing Magwenya on his ‘biggest liars in the world’ list.
NOW READ: Vincent Magwenya slammed as ‘biggest liar in world’
During the peace talks with Putin on Saturday, presented a ten-point peace proposal to both leaders (Putin and Zelensky.)
He urged for the war’s cessation, stating the conflict negatively impacts global economies, particularly Africa, due to the increased cost of commodities, including grain, fertilizer, and fuel.
Ramaphosa also emphasised the need for respecting each nation’s sovereignty as outlined in the UN Charter. He urged both sides to de-escalate the conflict and respect international principles.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of ensuring the safe movement of grains across the Black Sea and offering humanitarian aid to those affected by the war.
Highlighting humanitarian concerns, Ramaphosa also called for the release of prisoners of war and advocated for the return of children to their families.
Looking ahead, he voiced the necessity for post-war construction and the collective responsibility of supporting the reconstruction efforts following the war.
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