Pretoria – South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has held a telephone discussion with his Russian counterpart, President Vladimir Putin.
The Presidency announced on Thursday, 7 August 2025, that the two Presidents held discussions earlier “this afternoon”.
Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to the President, said: “The discussion followed President Putin’s request to brief President Ramaphosa on the peace process with Ukraine and to engage on issues of mutual bilateral interest”.
Magwenya added: “President Putin expressed his recognition and appreciation for South Africa’s involvement in advancing a peace process between Russia and Ukraine.
“President Ramaphosa welcomed the briefing and expressed South Africa’s full support to peace initiatives that will end the war and contribute to a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.”
Magwenya said the two leaders agreed to further their discussions on moving forward the strategic relationship between their two countries.
Meanwhile, reports from Moscow suggest that President Putin plans to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in the coming days.
The Kremlin said the talks were likely to be held in the United Arab Emirates.
