2023-06-17 21:11:26
Russian President Vladimir Putin rejects significant parts of the African peace initiative. Putin interrupted the African delegation’s opening remarks today to present several reasons why he believes many of their proposals are misguided.
First he welcomed the heads of state and government from Senegal, Egypt, Zambia, Uganda, the Republic of Congo, the Comoros and South Africa to the Constantine Palace near Saint Petersburg.
However, after the statements by the Comorian, Senegalese and South African Presidents, he interrupted the round of statements from all delegation members to make a counter-speech. Putin reiterated his view that Ukraine and the West started the conflict long before Russia invaded Ukraine.
Government spokesman sees little chance for grain agreements
He also blamed the West for the rise in food prices around the world. African countries are severely affected by the sharp rise in grain prices as a result of the war and other effects on world trade. Both Ukraine and Russia are internationally important producers of wheat and other agricultural products.
Almost simultaneously, Russian government spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced in an interview that the grain agreement with Ukraine would most likely not be renewed. The agreement was extended by two months last month. In essence, it provides that Ukrainian grain may be transported through the Black Sea, which is ruled by Russia.
Call auch an Selenskyj
“This war must end,” South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa had previously demanded at the meeting in St. Petersburg. “It must be settled through negotiations and diplomatic means.” It is “in our common interest that this war ends,” Ramaphosa said.
The group of African heads of state and government spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kiev yesterday and called on both sides to “de-escalate”. Ramaphosa also called for “peace through negotiations” in Kiev.
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