South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged fresh diplomatic engagement to end the war in Ukraine, calling for dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow. His remarks followed a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to an official statement released by Pretoria on Saturday.
The appeal comes as hopes for a Russia-Ukraine summit dim, despite US President Donald Trump’s recent attempts to mediate both sides directly. Trump had suggested earlier this week that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Zelensky agreed to meet, but later compared them to “oil and vinegar.”
Kyiv and Moscow continue trading blame over stalled peace efforts, each accusing the other of prolonging negotiations without genuine intent for resolution. “President Ramaphosa stressed the urgency of bilateral and trilateral meetings involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States,” the statement from Pretoria declared.
Zelensky reaffirmed on social media his readiness for dialogue, saying he was open to “any format of meeting with the head of Russia.” He accused Moscow of deliberately dragging out talks and urged nations of the Global South to send stronger signals pressing Russia toward peace.
Ramaphosa, who currently chairs the G20, has also held talks with the French and Finnish presidents and expects further discussions with European leaders. Earlier this week, he spoke directly with Putin, a leader he once described at a BRICS summit as a “dear ally” and “valued friend.”
Yet South Africa has shifted its stance at the United Nations, voting earlier this year in favour of a resolution condemning Russia’s invasion. Against a backdrop of fading optimism, Ramaphosa’s call injects cautious momentum into fragile diplomacy, underscoring the urgency of preventing further devastation in Ukraine.
