Russia: The Russian President, Mr. Vladimir Putin, has acknowledged that an initiative put forward by African leaders might serve as a potential foundation for peace in the ongoing conflict between Moscow and Ukraine. However, Mr. Putin pointed out that the attacks coming from Kyiv have created a situation where achieving a ceasefire has become extremely challenging.
In Moscow on 29th July 2023, the Russian leader addressed the media following a meeting with African leaders in St Petersburg. During the meeting, the African leaders urged Russia to proceed with their plan, prompting Putin to make the comments.
“There are things that are virtually impossible to implement, like a ceasefire – but Ukraine is advancing, they’re on a strategic offensive, how do we hold our fire when they’re advancing on us?” Mr. Putin told reporters.
“This can only be a bilateral initiative. But the [African] initiative in my opinion can become the foundation of certain processes towards a peaceful resolution, just like China’s initiative, there’s no competition or contradiction here,” the President stated.
Kyiv, too, has previously poured cold water on the African plan, as per the statement.
Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismisses the notion of an immediate ceasefire, as it would result in Russia retaining control over almost a fifth of his country and provide their forces with an opportunity to reassemble after 17 gruelling months of conflict.
In addition, he emphasized that for peace talks to take place, Moscow must withdraw its forces from the occupied Ukrainian territory, a stance that Russia has firmly stated is non-negotiable.
Mr. Putin quoted that, “We did not reject them”, but that “in order for this process to begin, there needs to be agreement on both sides.”
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