Cyril Ramaphosa Vladimir Putin

BRICS, Ukraine, and food security were on the agenda when Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Vladimir Putin this week – Photo: MFA Russia

No, you hang up: Ramaphosa enjoys ‘friendly’ phone call with Putin

We’re not sure if Cyril Ramaphosa asked Vladimir Putin for tips on hiding cash under beds – but they did get through a few serious topics…

Cyril Ramaphosa Vladimir Putin

BRICS, Ukraine, and food security were on the agenda when Cyril Ramaphosa spoke to Vladimir Putin this week – Photo: MFA Russia

It appears that Cyril Ramaphosa is a big fan of that old saying; ‘keep your friends close, and your war-mongering authoritarian leaders closer’. The ANC leader picked up the phone for a discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin – and yes, Ukraine was mentioned.

Ramaphosa rings up Putin – what was discussed?

Russian forces invaded Ukraine back in February, subjecting the European nation to unrelenting bloodshed and destruction. South Africa’s diplomatic decision to stay neutral on the matter also drew criticism, but it seems our ties with Russia won’t be weakening any time soon.

“Vladimir Putin had a telephone conversation with President of the Republic of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa – at the South African side’s initiative. We can confirm that both Putin and Ramaphosa also exchanged views on the situation in Ukraine.”

Kremlin statement

Presidential summit focuses on Ukraine, food security, and BRICS

We seriously doubt that Cyril pushed Vladimir too hard any of the trickier conversation points, and it does indeed appear that South Africa will only look to strengthen its bond with the Kremlin, rather than ostracising it like the rest of the world (well, almost) has done.

Ramaphosa is understood to have expressed a desire to expand trade with Russia, and build the BRICS agenda even further. Putin was also quizzed about the impact his war is having on food security in Africa – but exact details about these conversations remain scarce.

What we do know, however, is that the pair spoke about the following topics.

  • As previously mentioned, the thorny issue of Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine topped the agenda.
  • They both ‘expressed satisfaction’ with the current levels of strategic partnerships between South Africa and Russia.
  • An intention to expand trade and investment was welcomed by both parties.
  • Discussions about food security for Africa – made vulnerable by Putin’s invasion of Ukraine – also took place.
  • Ramaphosa and Putin also solidified their commitment to the BRICS bloc, and agreed to advance its role in global politics.