South Africa wants ‘inclusive’ talks on ending Ukraine war, invites Zelensky

|Published 1:50 PM ET, Friday February 21, 2025|

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit, aiming to facilitate “inclusive” peace talks to resolve the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This initiative underscores South Africa’s commitment to a comprehensive dialogue involving all relevant parties.

The announcement coincided with the conclusion of a two-day G20 foreign ministers’ meeting in Johannesburg, where global conflicts, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war, were central topics. South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola emphasized that wars in regions like Africa, the Middle East, and Europe impede economic development, highlighting the necessity for peace efforts.

President Ramaphosa’s invitation to President Zelensky reflects South Africa’s stance that any peace negotiations must be inclusive, ensuring Ukraine’s active participation. This approach comes amidst criticism of prior attempts by Russia and the United States to negotiate an end to the war without involving Ukraine or its European allies.

While South Africa has maintained a position of neutrality regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict, it has faced accusations of favoring Moscow. In October 2024, during a BRICS summit hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, Ramaphosa referred to Russia as a “valuable friend and ally.”

The proposed state visit by President Zelensky aims to foster direct dialogue and contribute to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. A specific date for the visit has yet to be determined.