Ukraine Takes a Bold Stand: Rejects Africa Peace Mission, Intensifies Counter-Offensive Against Russia

The Africa Peace Mission has failed to draw consensus from Ukraine and Russia for a peaceful resolution to their conflict. Headed by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, the group tried to persuade Moscow and Kyiv to initiate fruitful talks.

Ramaphosa said the African countries are at the brunt of the ongoing Russia – Ukraine conflict. He described the human and negative economic impact and crisis arising from the conflict as crucial that affects everyone in the interconnected world.

The delegation, which comprised leaders from Senegal, Comoros Egypt and Zambia, as well as top envoys from Uganda and the Republic of Congo, is showing an African perspective and appeals for peace deliberations. 

Road Map to Peace

The conflict is affecting Africa negatively. Ramaphosa insisted that all wars must come to an end and emphasized the African Peace Mission’s willingness to help expedite that. “I do believe that Ukrainians feel that they must fight and not give up. The road to peace is very hard.” The South African president highlighted the urgent need to bring the conflict to an end sooner rather than later.

Azali Assoumani, Comoros President, brought up the idea of a road map, but Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy cut him short saying he didn’t want any surprises from their visit with neighboring Putin. He said Friday that peace talks would only be possible if Moscow withdraws its forces from occupied Ukrainian territory. Zelenskyy said he failed to understand what could be gained from the leaders’ talks with the Kremlin. “This is their decision, how logical it is, I don’t really understand.”

Later on Zelenskyy told a press conference that to allow any dialogue with Russia now, while it is on their land is to freeze the war, freeze everything, including pain and suffering. He called for a peace deal, but with “real withdrawal of Russian troops” from Ukraine’s entire independent land. 

Russia applauded the African peace initiative, but said it is very difficult to implement. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, said the Russian President Vladimir Putin highlighted their position. He pointed out that all provisions cannot be correlated with the main elements of Russia’s position.

“But this does not mean that we do not need to continue working. The main conclusion, in my opinion, is that our partners from the African Union have shown an understanding of the true causes of the crisis that was created by the West, and have shown an understanding that is necessary to get out of this situation on the basis of addressing these underlying causes.” 

Russia Ups Its Game

Russia defended its stance saying Moscow was effectively forced to send troops into Ukraine as it was threatened by its desire to join NATO, and the support from Western Europe and U.S. Moreover, Putin told the economic forum on Friday that the first Russian tactical nuclear weapons have been sent to Belarus to deter Western efforts to defeat the Kremlin in Ukraine. 

In recent weeks, the conflict has intensified with Russia destroying countless Ukrainian towns and cities. Ukraine has also accused Moscow of blowing up the Kakhovka dam in Kherson region on June 6. Not ready to stand back, Ukraine has also upped its game with counteroffensive, forcing the Russian forces to step back. 

But the African leaders are undeterred. They are hopeful of a peace deal through a series of confidence building measures.