‘We are ready for peace’: Zelensky urges Ramaphosa to back ceasefire plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in what he described as a “friendly and candid” conversation focused on ending the war in Ukraine and securing a lasting peace.

The conflict, now in its third year, began in February 2022 when Russia launched a full-scale invasion, intensifying tensions that had simmered since its 2014 annexation of Crimea and the war in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces and Russian-backed separatists.

The fighting has caused tens of thousands of deaths, displaced millions, and triggered some of the most severe sanctions against Russia since the Cold War.

A recent CSIS study estimates Russian military losses at up to 250,000 dead and nearly 950,000 wounded. Ukrainian losses are also severe, with between 60,000 and 100,000 killed and around 400,000 total casualties, including the wounded.

In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Zelensky said the two leaders discussed ways to “achieve real peace and stop the killings,” with Ukraine emphasising that any process must begin with a ceasefire.

“I informed him about my recent contacts with President Trump and European leaders. A lot has already been done. We are coordinating our common position with all partners, and this position must be strong,” Zelensky wrote.

“This is about the future security architecture not only for Ukraine, but also for Europe and the entire world.”

According to Zelensky, Ramaphosa also shared details from his recent talks with Russian officials.

“From the very first seconds of the war, we have wanted it to end, as it was not Ukraine that started this war. And it is Russia that is the only reason for its prolongation and the absence of peace,” he said,

He added that Kyiv remains ready for “meetings at the highest level in various formats.”

The latest call came just days after the South African Presidency confirmed that Ramaphosa had spoken by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 7.

According to the Presidency, the conversation was initiated at Putin’s request to brief Ramaphosa on “developments in the peace process” and to “engage on issues of mutual bilateral interest.”

The Presidency said Putin “expressed his recognition and appreciation for South Africa’s involvement in advancing a peace process between Russia and Ukraine,” while Ramaphosa reiterated Pretoria’s “full support to peace initiatives that will end the war and contribute to a lasting peace.”

Both leaders also agreed to deepen their strategic relationship, which extends beyond the Ukraine issue to include BRICS membership, economic cooperation, and long-standing political ties.

South Africa has consistently positioned itself as a non-aligned mediator, advocating for inclusive negotiations without preconditions – a stance that has drawn both praise and criticism.

While Western allies have raised concerns over Pretoria’s close relations with Moscow, the Presidency has defended its approach as “principled diplomacy” aimed at ending hostilities.

Whether the recent flurry of calls will yield concrete proposals remains unclear, but Pretoria has pledged to “continue to support and participate in any genuine initiative that brings the war to an end.”