Russia-Ukraine conflict: Putin says Kyiv "refuses" to negotiate as African leaders call for peace

Calls for Russia to establish peace with Ukraine were made on Thursday by multiple African leaders, during the 2023 Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed he’s “ready” to talk with Kyiv officials, but that they “refuse.”

“It is our hope that constructive engagement and negotiation can bring about an end to the ongoing conflict between the Russian Federation and Ukraine,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on the matter.

“We agree with you that all problems should be resolved through talks,” Putin responded. “But the problem is that they (Ukraine) refuse to talk to us.”

“They have stated this as their official position. The Ukrainian president signed a decree on this subject. A decree that prohibits any talks (with Russia),” he added.

Additionally, Putin, 70, claimed Russia is “not shying away from reviewing” African leaders’ peace proposal between the neighboring European nations — which have been at war again since February 2022.