South Africa Advocates Inclusive Peace Talks on Ukraine, Invites Zelensky for State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasizes Ukraine's role in negotiations and announces plans to host Volodymyr Zelensky for discussions on ending the nearly three-year conflict.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit to discuss an inclusive peace process for the war in Ukraine.
Ramaphosa and Zelensky agreed on the importance of Ukraine's involvement in any peace negotiations, with Zelensky reiterating the principle of 'nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.'
The invitation follows criticism of peace efforts by Russia and the United States that excluded Ukraine and its European allies from the process.
South Africa, while officially neutral, has faced accusations of leaning toward Russia, particularly after Ramaphosa described Russia as a 'valuable ally' during a BRICS summit last year.
The discussions occurred during South Africa's hosting of the G20 foreign ministers' meeting, where global conflicts, including the Ukraine war, were a central focus.