South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is stepping into the global spotlight as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, holding urgent calls with European leaders this weekend. 📞 The move comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity, including recent U.S.-led talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ramaphosa's phone marathon included conversations with Zelenskyy, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Finland's Alexander Stubb. European leaders reportedly praised South Africa's neutral approach, with one official calling it "a fresh voice in a polarized debate." 🇿🇦🤝🇪🇺
"The president stressed that face-to-face meetings between Russian, Ukrainian, and U.S. leaders can't wait," said spokesperson Vincent Magwenya. Ramaphosa plans more calls with European counterparts this week to keep the peace momentum alive.
This diplomatic push follows Ramaphosa's recent briefing from Putin after the Russian leader's meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump. While details remain confidential, insiders say South Africa's BRICS membership and non-aligned status make it an unexpected but crucial player in resolving the crisis. 🌐✨
