Russian President Vladimir Putin received African leaders today at a government palace near St. Petersburg, who came hoping to mediate in the Ukrainian conflict. Putin told the African leaders that Moscow welcomes their balanced approach to the conflict in Ukraine and is open to dialogue. He emphasized that his country is "open to constructive dialogue with all who want peace based on the principles of justice and consideration of the legitimate interests of both parties." However, he stated that it is Kyiv that is refusing negotiations.
He added that the global food market crisis is not a result of the conflict in Ukraine, noting that he does not believe "Ukrainian grain supplies help resolve the food crisis." He argued that Ukraine's grain exports, which are conducted under an agreement ensuring their safe passage through the Black Sea, do not assist in solving Africa's problems related to rising global food prices, adding that only three percent of these exports go to the poorest countries.
Putin stated that the food crisis is a result of the actions of Western countries, not due to the "special military operation" by Russia in Ukraine. The African leaders' delegation confirmed that it is time to initiate negotiations to end the fighting, which they described as harming the entire world. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that the delegation is in Russia to listen to viewpoints and that the African initiative does not conflict with other peace efforts regarding Ukraine. Ramaphosa expressed his belief that this is the right time for both sides to negotiate to end this war, which is causing considerable instability and harm.
Leaders from Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, the Republic of the Congo, the Comoros, along with South Africa, met with Putin in the 18th-century Constantine Palace overlooking the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. Television footage showed them shaking hands with Putin before being received in a room with a round meeting table.
The African leaders are seeking to agree on a series of "confidence-building measures" even as Ukraine launched a counteroffensive last week to drive Russian forces from occupied territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said after meeting the African leaders in Kyiv yesterday that peace talks with Russia wouldn’t be possible until Moscow withdraws its troops from occupied Ukrainian territories. He added that he cannot understand what a meeting with Putin might achieve.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated in Kyiv that the leaders came "to convey the African perspective" and consider talks with Russia as part of their mission. The Kremlin downplays the chances of fruitful talks with Kyiv, claiming that the conditions are unfavorable for a peace process, as any settlement must take into account "new realities," while affirming its openness to external initiatives and its readiness to listen.
