Russian leader Vladimir Putin and South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa held talks by phone Saturday, touching on the Ukraine conflict and pledging to deepen trade and investment ties, the Kremlin said.
The conversation underscored Pretoria’s backing for Moscow’s push toward a negotiated end to the war, amid broader alignment on global issues.
“Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa,” the Kremlin stated in a brief readout.
The pair exchanged views on international matters, with Ramaphosa voicing “support for Russia’s efforts aimed at a political and diplomatic settlement of the Ukrainian crisis,” according to the statement.
“During the exchange of views on the current international agenda, the importance of continuing coordination of approaches between Russia and South Africa, including within the framework of the G20 and BRICS, was noted,” it added.
The dialogue highlights ongoing collaboration between the two BRICS partners, as Russia seeks alliances beyond Western sanctions over its Ukraine offensive launched in 2022.
