Leaders of African countries meet with Russian President Putin

The press service of the President of the Republic of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, reported that 

the South African President's visit to Russia took place after "constructive discussions" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on June 16, 2023. 

Ramaphosa noted that African leaders would like to hear the position of the Russian President, as they had listened to the position of the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the day before.

"At this meeting, we will also listen to your point of view on this war. We want to listen to you with respect for the point of view that you will express," the South African President said.

The delegation presented the "10-step peace plan" to end the war, which had been announced in Ukraine the day before. They also called for the removal of obstacles to the implementation of the grain deal and the return of Ukrainian children home. 

The day before, the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, put forward his peace plan in Kyiv at a meeting with the President of Ukraine. 

In return, Putin said Russia was "open to dialogue with all those who stand for peace." He also said the Ukrainian children were taken out "legally, saving lives and health."

It will be recalled that on June 16, a delegation from seven African countries arrived in Ukraine, with representatives from South Africa, Senegal, Zambia, the Union of the Comoros, Egypt, Uganda, and the Republic of Congo meeting with the Ukrainian leadership.