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A delegation of African leaders from seven countries has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Ukraine and Russia in an attempt to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The group aims to encourage both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to engage in peace talks and find common ground.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, along with leaders from Senegal, Zambia, and Comoros, among others, are advocating for a “diplomacy-led process of negotiations” to guide the path towards peace. The delegation hopes to establish a series of “confidence-building measures” as the initial steps in mediation.

The proposed measures, outlined in a draft framework document obtained by Reuters, include the withdrawal of Russian troops, the removal of tactical nuclear weapons from neighboring Belarus, the suspension of an International Criminal Court arrest warrant against Putin, and the alleviation of sanctions. Additionally, the document suggests an “unconditional grain and fertilizer deal” to address the economic impact of disrupted exports on African nations.

Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson for Ramaphosa, expressed the significance of this peace mission. He highlighted the unity of African leaders in attempting to resolve a conflict outside of the continent, emphasizing their collective dedication to finding a path to peace.

It is worth noting that African countries have been divided in their responses to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While some have aligned with Ukraine, others have chosen to remain neutral or lean towards Moscow. For Ramaphosa, this peace effort presents an opportunity to strengthen South Africa’s relationship with Western nations, especially after facing criticism from the United States regarding its ties to Russia.

The African delegation’s efforts are not the only ones attempting to bring an end to the war. China, for instance, has its own peace proposal and had sent a high-level representative to engage in discussions with key stakeholders. The Vatican, too, has expressed its commitment to a peaceful resolution.

While Kyiv insists on a complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine, including the areas illegally annexed by Moscow, the Kremlin maintains its willingness to listen to third-party initiatives. However, it asserts that the conditions necessary for a successful peace process are currently lacking.

As African leaders engage in this crucial diplomatic journey, their proposal of “confidence-building” measures holds the potential to alleviate tensions and pave the way for substantial dialogue between Ukraine and Russia.