African leaders have arrived in Saint Petersburg to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of an effort to mediate in the Ukraine conflict. The meeting is seen as a significant step towards finding a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
South African president Cyril Ramaphosa, who was among the leaders present at the meeting, called for an end to the war in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of dialogue between the two sides. Putin, however, interrupted Ramaphosa's remarks to deliver a list of reasons why he believed many of their proposals were misguided.
Putin reiterated his position that Ukraine and the West had started the conflict long before Russia sent its Armed Forces over the border in February last year. According to Putin, Russia had never refused talks with the Ukrainian side, which had been blocked by Kiev.
When the African leaders called for the opening up of the Black Sea to allow them to receive grain shipments, Putin blamed the West, saying the crisis on the global food market is not the consequence of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine. He claimed it had started because Western countries, including the U.S. and European nations, had started unfounded and economically unjustified admission in order to solve their own problems connected with COVID-19.
The African leaders are seeking agreement on a series of confidence-building measures even as Ukraine began a counter-offensive to push back Russian forces from Ukrainian territory. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy had said after meeting the leaders in Kiev on Friday that peace talks with Russia would be possible only after Moscow withdrew its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory.
Despite the tensions, Putin said that Russia remains open to constructive dialogue. He thanked the African leaders for coming to Russia as part of the African Peace mission and promised to listen to their concerns.
The South African president thanked Putin for explaining the situation in Ukraine and for receiving the African leaders. Ramaphosa also called for an end to the war in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of finding a common position that can lead to peace.
Ramaphosa raised several points, including the movement of grains across the Black Sea and the return of children caught up in the conflict to their homes. He made these contributions with respect to both countries' positions and believed that a common position could emerge, leading to peace.
The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has caused widespread instability and harm to various countries around the world. Finding a peaceful resolution is crucial to ensuring stability and security in the region.
In conclusion, the meeting between African leaders and Putin is seen as an important step towards finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Despite differences in opinion, both parties have expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards a common goal of peace and stability in the region.
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