Putin would like Ukraine conflict to end, says Ramaphosa
President Cyril Ramaphosa says he has spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin on ways to end the war in Ukraine.
Russia's invasion of its neighbouring country has sent the world economy into a downward spiral, with oil prices leading to inflationary pressures in several countries, including South Africa.
“(I have) spoken to President Vladimir Putin, and also going to be speaking to other leaders, about how this conflict can be mediated and be brought to an end.”
Ramaphosa delivered a keynote address on Wednesday evening at the 30th anniversary of Ninety One at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
“And we've been picking up some positive news. And when I spoke to President Putin, I got a sense that we are looking at an agreement, possibly in the making soon, because he too, would like to bring this conflict to an end.”
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Ramaphosa said he also plans to speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
“I think the President of Ukraine would also like to do that, and I'm hoping to speak to him as well. So, we will see the effects of this conflict on many parts of our economy and in the daily lives of our people.”
His comments come as the United Nation's top court, the International Court of Justice on Wednesday ordered Russia to suspend its invasion of Ukraine, saying it was "profoundly concerned" by Moscow's use of force.
Ramaphosa also urged other leaders to get involved as the conflict "should be mediated".
“That is why it is important that this conflict should be mediated, should be negotiated to an end as quickly as possible
“I'd like the secretary-general of the UN to also get actively involved, as should other leaders to bring this conflict to an end. We don't need it. Nobody benefits from war, and that war must come to an end soon.”
