Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
20 May 2023 | 18:21 CAT

Image: South African

Amid Russia’s war, China and South Africa are trying to bring peace between Moscow and Kyiv. China’s top envoy Li Hui will visit Ukraine and Russia to discuss a potential political settlement between the two conflict-ridden countries. Meanwhile, the South African president announced that his counterparts in Russia and Ukraine have agreed to separate meetings with a group of African heads of state to explore a potential strategy to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.

Six African leaders plan to travel to Russia and Ukraine “as soon as possible” to help find a resolution to the war, President Cyril Ramaphosa said Tuesday.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have “agreed to receive the mission and the African heads of state, in both Moscow and Kyiv,” Ramaphosa said.

However, American international political consultant, and special correspondent, Jason Jay Smart told Radio Islam International Russian that any steps taken regarding the conflict are appreciated. However, he argues that the conflict does not appear to be slowing down, and an immediate end to the war is unlikely.

“For Ukraine to negotiate right now would for them to likely lose territory, it is more strategic for them to wait till they finish their counter offences and have established themselves before negotiating with the Russians,” he says.

According to Smart, the Russians have not expressed any sincere negotiations and still maintain that they wish to take Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine and replace the government.

Meanwhile, The leaders of Zambia, Senegal, the Republic of Congo, Uganda and Egypt would make up the delegation along with Ramaphosa, he said in a statement.

Ramaphosa did not give a time frame or outline any parameters for the possible peace talks. Zelenskyy has said he would not consider a peace deal to end the 15-month war until Russian forces withdraw entirely from Ukrainian territory.

Listen to the full interview with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie on Your World Today.