PRETORIA, South Africa (CHATNEWSTV) — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Thursday that Ukraine supports all partner-led peace proposals, so long as they align with the country’s Constitution and fundamental values.
Speaking at a joint press event in South Africa, Zelenskyy said Kyiv had accepted a U.S.-backed proposal for a full, unconditional ceasefire during a recent meeting in Saudi Arabia — but accused Russia of failing to do the same.
“If Russia claims it’s ready for a ceasefire, it must stop its massive strikes on Ukraine,” Zelenskyy told reporters.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized that while Ukraine is committed to peace, any resolution must respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“We are doing everything our partners have proposed,” Zelenskyy said. “The only thing we cannot do is what contradicts our legislation and Constitution. Even the fight for our state’s independence… is a matter of survival.”
Zelenskyy also stressed the need to bring home Ukrainian children taken to Russia and to secure the release of military and civilian prisoners.
“The first occupation of Ukraine was in 2014. People have been imprisoned in Russia for almost 12 years. We want to bring people back home,” he said.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, standing alongside Zelenskyy, reaffirmed his nation’s readiness to support peace efforts.
“We would like to see an agreement first for a ceasefire, and secondly to bring the war to an end completely,” Ramaphosa said. “I believe the United States, Europe, and of course the African continent would be willing and prepared to play a productive role. This is what we as South Africa are prepared to do.”
Zelenskyy’s visit to Pretoria is part of a broader diplomatic push to secure international support for Ukraine’s peace agenda, amid ongoing Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukrainian territory.
