Zelenskyy Meets Ramaphosa: Focus on Peace, Prisoner Releases, and Child Return

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa met to discuss peace efforts, prisoner releases, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children. Zelenskyy briefed Ramaphosa on the impacts of recent Russian attacks, and both emphasized the necessity of global cooperation, particularly within the G20. South Africa expressed strong support for Ukraine’s initiatives.

Diplomatic talks took center stage as the Presidents of Ukraine and South Africa convened to address significant issues including a just peace to halt the ongoing conflict, the release of prisoners, and the return of Ukrainian children displaced by Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made these revelations following their discussions, marking the inaugural visit by a Ukrainian leader to South Africa since the establishment of diplomatic ties.

The meeting unfolded shortly after President Zelenskyy briefed his counterpart on the dire consequences of recent Russian attacks. From Thursday night’s offensive, which involved over 200 aerial assaults—ranging from ballistic missiles to drones—resulted in tragic fatalities and over 80 injured individuals. Given the gravity of the situation, President Zelenskyy opted to shorten his visit while delegating Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha to maintain diplomatic presence in South Africa.

Expressing gratitude for South Africa’s support, Zelenskyy emphasized the urgency of ending the war, stating, “We are grateful to you for your respect for Ukraine, for your support, and for sharing our belief that this war must be brought to an end as soon as possible.” Both leaders agreed on the necessity of collective global action to elevate pressure on Russia while considering the G20 summit’s potential role, of which South Africa is the current chair.

President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirmed his country’s commitment towards achieving a just and durable peace, remarking, “The Republic of South Africa is willing and continues to support all efforts, including multilateral ones, to achieve a just, durable, and comprehensive peace.” The return of Ukrainian children was particularly pressing, with Zelenskyy handing over a list of 400 minors allegedly abducted by Russian forces during their meeting.

Additional discussions centered around enhancing bilateral relations, where President Zelenskyy highlighted Ukraine’s capabilities in energy security, agriculture, and technology. Amidst this dialogue, he proposed the creation of a joint mineral hub with South Africa focused on fertilizer production and logistics. He iterated, “We can also work together to significantly increase electricity generation in your country – from nuclear to renewable sources. Affordable and cheap energy always helps economic growth. I have instructed our officials to thoroughly explore every potential joint project.”

In response, Ramaphosa acknowledged the importance of collaborating with Ukraine across various sectors, particularly applauding Zelenskyy’s efforts to strengthen ties with Africa. He concluded by commending Ukraine’s grain supply initiatives and plans for establishing a grain hub in Mombasa, Kenya, indicating a shared goal for mutual development between the two nations.

The June meeting between Presidents Zelenskyy and Ramaphosa highlighted crucial diplomatic discussions aimed at fostering peace amidst ongoing conflict, alongside addressing pressing humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding prisoners and abducted children. Both leaders illustrated a commitment not only to enhance bilateral cooperation but also to rally international support towards achieving stability in Ukraine. With shared objectives in energy and agriculture, Ukraine and South Africa appear poised for an evolving partnership.

Original Source: www.president.gov.ua