South Africa Proposes Russia Invited to Ukraine Peace Talks, Zelensky Formula Under Scrutiny
South Africa has floated a path for broader dialogue on Ukraine’s peace plan, suggesting that Kyiv should invite Moscow to future discussions where the so‑called peace formula could be examined. This position was voiced by South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation. The ministry has signaled that the country is willing to participate in such gatherings as part of its effort to foster inclusive negotiations.
According to the foreign minister, at the most recent meeting, South Africa urged Ukraine to consider inviting Russia to participate so that negotiators could begin moving toward a more formal dialogue on the terms of a settlement. The aim, she indicated, is to create a structured discussion that could address the core demands of the involved sides and explore feasible avenues for de‑escalation.
Diplomatic channels, as described by the minister, have yet to yield a response from Kyiv regarding this invitation. The dialogue proposal comes amid ongoing debates about how best to approach a lasting peace and what forms of engagement would facilitate constructive negotiations rather than stalled talks.
In parallel commentary, a senior official from Russia’s Foreign Ministry questioned the veracity of Zelensky’s assertion that his peace formula has broad international support. Alexey Polishchuk, who oversees the CIS department in the ministry, challenged the claim, suggesting that several statements attributed to broad backing were not accurate.
When Zelensky introduced the peace formula in late 2022, it outlined ten points designed to restore Ukrainian sovereignty and security. The proposals included the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukrainian territory, the release of prisoners and deported individuals, adherence to the UN Charter, environmental protections to prevent ecocide, and other commitments intended to rebuild trust and establish a framework for negotiations. The text has been cited by supporters as a clear roadmap, while critics have questioned its feasibility and the specifics of implementation.
Observers note that the discourse surrounding the peace formula and the invitation to Russia reflects broader questions about how international mediation can be structured. In the United States and other capitals, officials have continued to weigh how best to support a process that could produce verifiable steps toward a durable peace, including verification mechanisms, security guarantees, and humanitarian considerations. The path forward remains uncertain, with diplomacy playing a central, yet contested, role in shaping the next phase of talks.
Amid these discussions, analysts emphasize the importance of balancing inclusive dialogue with practical prerequisites for ceasefire and disengagement. The South African position underscores a willingness to broaden participation and to test whether a more formal negotiation track might emerge from such inclusivity. Whether Kyiv accepts the invitation and how Moscow responds will likely influence the trajectory of diplomacy in the months ahead, as the international community continues to seek avenues for de‑escalation, accountability, and a sustainable settlement.
Any movement on this front will be watched closely by partners and adversaries alike, as the peace process remains a focal point of international diplomacy. The unfolding debate makes clear that the shape of future talks will depend on evolving positions, trust built through dialogue, and the practical realities of security and humanitarian needs on the ground.