President Ramaphosa receives briefing from President Putin on Trump meeting

President Cyril Ramaphosa was briefed on Monday by President Vladimir Putin on the outcomes of Putin’s meeting with United States President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska. 

The Presidency’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, indicated that Moscow was satisfied with the discussions and that an emerging alignment on the peace process was taking shape amid the Ukraine crisis.

In a statement issued by the Presidency, Magwenya quoted President Ramaphosa as saying he “appreciated the briefing from President Putin” and that “there is a need for more compromise on key issues for lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.” 

The statement added that “both leaders once again pledged to maintain open lines of communication and to continue their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests.”

The briefing comes as South Africa positions itself amid intensified international diplomacy surrounding the Ukraine conflict. 

The South African government has pushed its BRICS membership and broader foreign-policy objective of balancing relationships with Russia and Ukraine while advocating for dialogue and a negotiated settlement.

The briefing precedes a high-level gathering in Washington, where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has arrived to meet with President Trump and other European leaders. 

The meeting is expected to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and to discuss Russia’s security guarantees in Europe.

thabo.makwakwa@iol.co.za

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