South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has revealed that he had a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss the forthcoming peace mission involving six African leaders to Russia and Ukraine.
“President Putin has welcomed the initiative by African heads of state and expressed his desire to receive the peace mission,” a statement from the South African presidency said.
On Tuesday, the African leaders involved had held discussions “exploring ways of bringing an end to the conflict”, it added.
The other leaders in the peace bid are from the Comoros, Egypt, Senegal, Uganda and Senegal – and according to a statement from the presidency on Wednesday all said they were available to travel in mid-June.
“The leaders agreed that they would engage with both President Putin and President [Volodymyr] Zelensky on the elements for a ceasefire and a lasting peace in the region.”
The two presidents’ foreign ministers are currently working on finalizing a roadmap for peace, according to the statement.
Additionally, a Russia-Africa summit is set to occur in St. Petersburg at the end of July, as announced by the presidency.