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Ukrainian President Insists Peace Talks with Russia Are Only Possible after Withdrawal of Russian Forces from Occupied Territory
President Zelenskiy Reaffirms Ukraine's Long-Standing Position on Peace Talks
After meeting with African leaders in Kyiv, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that peace talks with Russia could only be held if Moscow withdraws its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory. He also expressed his confusion over what could be achieved through the Russian leaders' meeting, calling it their decision and expressed his lack of understanding as to how logical it is. Zelenskiy's comments indicate no shift in Ukraine's longstanding stance on peace negotiations, despite hopes from the African delegation that they would be able to facilitate the end of the war that has persisted since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022. Zelenskiy underscored that peace negotiations would be possible after the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine's independent land.
African Leaders' Role in Ukraine's International Peace Summit
The African delegation, including leaders from Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, South Africa, and Comoros, met with Zelenskiy following their welcoming with a volley of Russian missiles in Kyiv. The President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, stated that these leaders had come to "share the African perspective" and viewed negotiations with Russia as part of their mission. While admitting that living through the pain of conflict has taught them its importance even during its most intense phases, Ramaphosa called for the free flow of grain and claimed that African countries were willing to join Ukraine in a peace pact.
The Discussion Is Absolutely Necessary
While Azali Assoumani, President of the Comoro Islands and the current chair of the African Union, affirmed the leaders' intentions to have discussions with Putin, he stated that their mission could not result in avoiding negotiations. He emphasized that doing nothing at this point would be cowardly and commended Ukraine's peace initiative in which African leaders could take part in an international peace summit that is underway.
The African Leaders' Stance on the Ukraine War
With Kyiv and Moscow attempting to lure the Global South, African leaders view this opportunity as a chance to broker peace in a conflict that has disrupted food supplies, raising food prices in African countries. Ukraine, as a significant producer of and exporter of grain in peacetime, called for the free movement of grain supply. African countries have mostly remained neutral in the Ukraine war, and while countries like South Africa have had relatively close ties with Russia, most have chosen the United States and Europe as important economic partners. The African delegation hopes to agree on what it calls "confidence-building measures" related to the Ukraine war as Ukraine continues its counteroffensive to push Russian forces back from the territory they occupy.
Russia's Stance towards Kyiv on the Peace Process
While the Kremlin has downplayed the possibility of meaningful peace talks with Kyiv, stating that conditions for a peace process are not yet created, they are open to hearing out outside initiatives.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has many global implications, including potential impacts on new businesses. The instability created by the war could cause fluctuations in economic conditions, leading to uncertainties for businesses or investors looking to operate in the region. The current situation has disrupted food supplies and driven up the cost of commodities like grain, affecting businesses reliant on these products. Ukraine's role as a major grain producer and exporter could be further impacted by the war and any disruptions to its usual operations. Additionally, the involvement of African leaders in peace talks could potentially represent a shift in the balance of global power and have implications for businesses looking to expand into African markets.
It's important for businesses to keep a close eye on developments regarding the Ukraine conflict and how it may impact both the region and neighboring countries economically. The potential for diplomatic resolutions through peace talks presents a glimmer of hope, but the situation remains uncertain. It may be wise for businesses to wait until the conflict is resolved before considering any significant investment or expansion plans in the region.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/06/17/ukraine-tells-african-mission-no-peace-talks-with-russia-before-withdrawal.html
