South Africa’s ambassador to Russia, Mzuvukile Jeff Maketuka, conveyed that EU representatives, in their private conversations, acknowledge the necessity of sincere concessions on the Ukraine situation. His remarks were reported by TASS, the Russian news agency, highlighting a diplomatic tone that emphasizes pragmatism over hardline positions.
The ambassador expressed genuine hope that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would consider entering talks with President Vladimir Putin. He framed such negotiations as a meaningful step toward stabilizing the region, suggesting that a dialogue at the highest level could create an essential opening for trust-building and practical arrangements on the ground.
Earlier, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine plans to present a document outlining a peace framework to the Russian side at a forthcoming Swiss-hosted conference. The Ukrainian leader clarified that this engagement should not be mistaken for conventional negotiations. He asserted that more than 160 world leaders would be invited to participate in the inaugural session, and that a concrete plan for the peace framework would emerge from the discussions surrounding the gathering.
In response, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said there had been no formal proposal received from Kyiv regarding such a peace plan, signaling a cautious stance from Moscow until any official initiative is put forward by Kyiv and discussed within its channels.
During a February 26 briefing, Mikhail Podolyak, an adviser to the head of the Ukrainian presidential administration, spoke with the El Mundo newspaper. He noted that a substantial portion of Europe is urging Kyiv to resume negotiations with Moscow, framing dialogue as a path to reducing the risk of escalation and finding common ground on contentious issues, even as the sides remain firm on core principles.
Analysts have long debated whether Zelensky’s peace framework can yield substantive progress. Some political scientists argue that the plan may face fundamental hurdles if it remains confined to declarations without clear, mutual commitments and verifiable milestones. Others contend that any shift toward negotiation deserves careful examination, given the potential to avert further human suffering and to map practical steps toward a durable ceasefire and stability in the region.