Zelenskyy urges global south to 'push Russia towards peace'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on nations in the global south to “send relevant signals” and push Russia towards peace.

He said this in a post on his X account on Saturday while detailing a conversation he had with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. 

According to Zelenskyy, he brought this fellow head of state up to speed on diplomatic efforts with "partners" going on to ensure the end of the war.

“I informed (him) about the joint diplomatic efforts with our partners and the productive meetings with President Trump in Washington,” he said. 

He referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a war nobody ever needed except Russia. 

Zelenskyy said on Friday that Moscow was doing everything it could to prevent a meeting between him and Putin, while Russia's foreign minister said the agenda for such a meeting was not ready.

He has repeatedly called for Putin to meet him, saying it is the only way to negotiate an end to the war.

Of the phone conversation, Zelenskyy said the two leaders also discussed “future contacts with partners, both mine and Cyril’s, as well as opportunities for joint work with the African continent to develop relations, ensure food security, and provide a platform for dialogue,” and agreed to stay in touch. 

Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously travelled to South Africa on a state visit in April. 

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