Teller Report

South African Ambassador: African leaders will try to convince Zelensky to start negotiations

2/20/2024, 1:00:56 PM

Highlights: South African Ambassador: African leaders will try to convince Zelensky to start negotiations. A visit to Moscow is planned in the future. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia is ready for dialogue to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that now the ball is not in Russia’s court regarding negotiations with Ukraine; Zelenski only needs to lift the ban on dialogue with Moscow. The leaders of seven African countries participating in the peace initiative on Ukraine intend to visit Ukraine and Russia.

The leaders of seven African countries participating in the peace initiative on Ukraine intend to visit Ukraine and Russia and convince Vladimir Zelensky of the need to begin negotiations with Moscow, said South African Ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Jeff Maketuku.

“Zelensky signed a decree that does not allow him to negotiate with Putin... African leaders will work on how to resolve this problem. Therefore, the next round of negotiations will begin in Kyiv,” he told TASS.

According to the diplomat, leaders of African countries will come to Ukraine to convey the position voiced in St. Petersburg by Russian President Vladimir Putin. A visit to Moscow is planned in the future.

Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that Russia is ready for dialogue to resolve the Ukrainian conflict.

He also noted that Russia, even after using military means in Ukraine, tried to end the Ukrainian conflict peacefully.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov noted that now the ball is not in Russia’s court regarding negotiations with Ukraine; Zelensky only needs to lift the ban on dialogue with Moscow.