African leaders meet Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine peace mission – with Vladimir Putin subsequent

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa is amongst a gaggle of African leaders in Ukraine on a peace mission.

The presidents of Zambia, Senegal, Comoros, South Africa and Egypt’s prime minister are there, alongside senior officers from Uganda and Congo-Brazzaville.

They met President Zelenskyy and are anticipated to journey to Russia for a gathering with President Putin on Saturday.

Missile attack on Kyiv is ‘message to Africa’ – Ukraine war latest

After assembly the delegation, Mr Zelenskyy reiterated that peace talks would solely be doable when Russia pulls out of occupied areas.

Mr Ramaphosa mentioned the leaders have been “here to share the African perspective” as he urged a de-escalation on either side and mentioned the sovereignty of nations ought to be revered.

He additionally referred to as for extra prisoner swaps and mentioned displaced youngsters ought to be returned to their properties.

The Ukrainian president mentioned he wished to carry a Ukraine-Africa summit and hoped to have nearer relations with the continent.

Earlier, the delegation positioned candles at a mass grave close to St Andrew’s Church in Bucha, on the outskirts of Kyiv.

Bucha is the positioning of one of many worst-known massacres of the struggle, with Russian troops killing tons of of civilians there final yr.

An air raid siren additionally rang out in the course of the group’s go to to Kyiv and Mayor Vitali Klitschko mentioned an explosion had been reported within the Podilskiy district.

“Russian missiles are a message to Africa: Russia wants more war, not peace,” tweeted Ukrainian overseas minister Dmytro Kuleba.

The Ukrainian air pressure mentioned it downed six Russian Kalibr cruise missiles, six Kinzhal hypersonic ballistic missiles and two reconnaissance drones – however didn’t say the place they have been destroyed.

Peace is just not the one matter on the agenda for the African leaders, nevertheless.

Officials additionally need to study how Russia may be paid for fertiliser exports it desperately wants – regardless of sanctions in opposition to Moscow.

They are additionally taking a look at getting extra very important grain shipments out of Ukraine.

Mr Ramaphosa mentioned after his assembly with Mr Zelenskyy that there ought to be a gap up of logistics for each grain and fertiliser.

The delegation seem to have break up allegiances, nevertheless.

South Africa, Senegal and Uganda have prevented criticising Moscow; whereas Zambia, Egypt and Comoros final yr voted in opposition to Russia in a UN decision condemning the invasion.

“Life is universal, and we must protect lives – Ukrainian lives, Russian lives, global lives,” mentioned Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema on the Ukraine go to.

“Instability anywhere is instability everywhere.”