Putin Acknowledges African Leaders' Balanced Approach, Expresses Openness to Constructive Dialogue

| 18 June 2023

During a high-profile meeting at the historic Konstantinovsky Palace, Russian President Vladimir Putin commended African leaders for their balanced approach to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The meeting, which included prominent leaders from South Africa, Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, Congo Republic, and the Comoro Islands, focused on finding a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

President Putin, in his address to the African leaders, expressed Russia's willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and discussions on the Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the importance of a peaceful resolution that adheres to the principles of justice and considers the legitimate interests of all parties involved. Reuters reported Putin's statement, stating, "We are open to a constructive dialogue with all those who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of the parties."

The meeting at the Konstantinovsky Palace followed the African leaders' visit to Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. During their time in Kyiv, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa voiced his stance to President Putin, highlighting the urgent need for an end to the conflict. President Ramaphosa emphasized that the war should be resolved through negotiations and diplomatic means. He also underscored the negative consequences of the ongoing conflict, not only for Africa but also for numerous countries across the globe. According to reports, President Ramaphosa stated, "This war has to have an end... It must be settled through negotiations and through diplomatic means. This war is having a negative impact on the African continent and indeed on many other countries around the world."

The peace mission undertaken by the African leaders carries significant importance for Africa as a whole. The region heavily relies on food and fertilizer deliveries from both Russia and Ukraine. The war has caused disruptions to exports from these key sources of agricultural produce, which in turn affects food security and supply chains in Africa.

African leaders, including President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and President Azali Assoumani of the Comoros, who currently heads the African Union, strongly advocated for peace between Russia and Ukraine. They firmly believed that dialogue and negotiations were the key to achieving a peaceful resolution.

To express their concerns and call for peace, the African delegation embarked on a diplomatic mission to Kyiv. During their visit, they engaged in talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. President Ramaphosa cited the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, drawing upon his principles of peace and reconciliation during a news conference held after the talks.

President Zelensky also echoed the sentiment for negotiations but expressed concerns about engaging in dialogue while Russian forces continue to occupy Ukrainian territory. "To allow any negotiations with Russia now that the occupier is on our land is to freeze the war, to freeze pain and suffering," Zelensky asserted.

The African leaders faced a tense situation during their visit to Kyiv when air raid sirens sounded across the city, signaling the detection of incoming Russian missiles. In response, the Ukrainian Air Force swiftly reacted and successfully intercepted and destroyed 12 missiles, including six hypersonic ones. Although there were no reports of damage within the city, regional police confirmed that seven people, including two children, were wounded during the incident.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate, the engagement of African leaders brings attention to the global ramifications of the crisis. The African continent's heavy reliance on agricultural imports from the region heightens the urgency for a peaceful resolution. While President Putin expressed openness to constructive dialogue, the path to peace remains uncertain as tensions persist on the ground. The efforts of the African leaders to advocate for negotiations and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution serve as a call for the international community to redouble its efforts to mitigate the conflict and its consequences.