Overview
- President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is ready to travel to meet Vladimir Putin in Russia and Volodymyr Zelensky in Ukraine to advance a peace process.
- He reported ongoing direct contact with both leaders and said he receives updates from them as discussions continue elsewhere.
- South Africa has proposed holding potential talks on its soil, and the presidential administration said groundwork for such a venue is in progress.
- The renewed push draws on an African initiative launched in 2023, when Ramaphosa led a delegation to Kyiv and St. Petersburg with a 10‑point proposal focused on de‑escalation.
- Ramaphosa highlighted Africa’s ability to speak with both sides and presented South Africa’s geographic distance and lines of communication as assets for mediation.