Ramaphosa, Zelenskyy back ceasefire in Russia-Ukraine war
The South African government has committed to supporting
peace efforts to help end the Russia-Ukraine war.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is on a working visit to Pretoria.
"We value the importance of engaging all parties to conflicts to achieve peace and a just, enduring solution to wars and conflicts. If there is one thing that our history as South Africans has taught us, it is that diplomacy and dialogue are more powerful than any weapon that anyone could use,” said Ramaphosa.
READ: Ramaphosa says discussed Ukraine with Trump, will meet soon
During a joint press briefing at the Union Buildings on Thursday, Ramaphosa said he had also urged Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks.
" And we call upon all parties, both Russia and Ukraine, to ensure that there is a comprehensive ceasefire, an unconditional ceasefire, so that discussions and negotiations can start between the two countries.
Speaking through a translator, Zelenskyy said he agreed with Ramaphosa’s call for an unconditional ceasefire.
"I said that everything depends on Russia's intention and desire because it is in Moscow where they have to make a decision on silence, making relevant orders to the Russian army.
"You know that this year, the Easter time, we had this opportunity of a ceasefire. We were absolutely ready for it. We acted in a matter way, responding only to Russian attacks. Ukraine defended itself."
Zelenskyy's trip to South Africa has been cut short after Russia launched deadly missiles overnight.
The Ukrainian president says more than 200 missiles were launched in the attack, causing widespread destruction.
"Unfortunately, we have got losses, destruction, at the capital and in other localities. In all of the regions of Ukraine, more than 80 people were wounded in the strikes.
"Unfortunately, we have people killed in Kyiv, a boy and a girl, 21 and 19 years, and they were siblings. So, my shared condolences to everyone who sustained losses. While I'm talking here, the recovery work continues."
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