Russian, South African presidents discuss Ukrainian settlement over phone

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed a potential settlement in Ukraine during a phone call with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Kremlin stated that Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia’s diplomatic efforts toward resolving the Ukraine conflict.

"The situation in Ukraine was touched upon. Cyril Ramaphosa expressed support for Russia's efforts aimed at a political and diplomatic resolution of the conflict," the statement read.

The two leaders also stressed the importance of continuing to coordinate approaches between Russia and South Africa, including within the G20 and the BRICS bloc, and discussed strengthening bilateral economic ties.

South Africa has been among the countries offering to mediate in the armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine, which is close to entering its fifth year.