Calls for negotiations rejected by Ukrainian President Zelensky
A high-level African delegation is preparing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin following failed attempts to initiate talks between Moscow and Kyiv. The diplomatic team had traveled to Kyiv to voice concerns over the repercussions of Russia’s invasion, including rising grain prices in Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasized the need for peace through negotiations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed the possibility of negotiations, citing the presence of Russian forces on Ukrainian soil and the ongoing conflict.
During the delegation’s visit, air raid sirens sounded across Ukraine as Russian missiles were detected, forcing the delegates to seek shelter in the capital. Zelensky denounced the attack, questioning Putin’s control over his army and calling him “irrational.” Ramaphosa viewed the missile strike as a reason for both sides to halt the fighting and urged for de-escalation, quoting Nelson Mandela’s teachings on peace. Zelensky requested the African leaders’ perspectives on ending Russia’s crimes and achieving food security, but stressed the immediate need to stop Russian aggression.
The delegation, consisting of four presidents including Ramaphosa, Senegal’s Macky Sall, Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema, and Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, visited Bucha, a town associated with alleged war crimes committed by Moscow. However, the leaders of Uganda, Egypt, and Congo-Brazzaville withdrew from the visit at the last moment, sending representatives in their place.
Simultaneously, Ukraine announced advancements in a new counteroffensive, but Putin claimed that Kyiv’s forces stood no chance in intensified fighting sectors. In response to the attack on Kyiv, the Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, seven people, including two children, sustained injuries.
The strike on Kyiv prompted reactions from international observers, with Peter Stano, spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, noting the apparent insincerity of Putin’s commitment to resolving the conflict. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlighted the message conveyed by the Russian missiles, suggesting that Russia seeks war rather than peace.
The African delegation is scheduled to meet President Putin in Saint Petersburg on Saturday, with the aim of listening carefully to the perspectives of both Russia and Ukraine on the crisis. President Ramaphosa expressed the importance of this engagement in seeking a path towards peace.
