President Vladimir Putin praised China, Brazil, and South Africa for their balanced peace efforts regarding Ukraine during his annual press conference, describing their approach as non-imposing. These nations formed a “Friends for Peace” group, focusing on uniting the Global South to advocate for a ceasefire and peaceful negotiations. Putin contrasted their neutrality with Western involvement, which he critiqued as a proxy war.
In a recent press conference, President Vladimir Putin commended China, Brazil, and South Africa for their concerted efforts towards peace in Ukraine. He described their approach as balanced, emphasizing that their initiatives do not impose conditions on either party in the conflict. The three nations established a “Friends for Peace” group last September at the UN, aiming to unify the Global South in advocating for peace and renewing dialogue for resolution. Putin contrasted these neutral efforts with the West, accusing them of engaging in a proxy conflict and underscoring the need for inclusive diplomacy.
Putin highlighted the Friends for Peace platform’s objective of fostering a neutral dialogue, advocating for a comprehensive resolution without taking sides. He pointed out that this group will not replace existing diplomatic frameworks but will strive for a balanced and impartial framework for peace. Recently, President Xi Jinping of China met with former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, who also acknowledged the significance of the proposals generated by this initiative.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has prompted various global responses, but the alignments have often been bivalent, with many nations taking sides. The establishment of the “Friends for Peace” group in September sought to advocate for a more neutral stance in resolving the war. The Global South’s participation—highlighting emerging powers like China, Brazil, and South Africa—demonstrates a collective call for immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogues, aiming to provide an alternative perspective to the Western-led narratives around the conflict.
In summary, President Putin’s remarks underscore a significant acknowledgment of efforts by China, Brazil, and South Africa towards a balanced approach to peace in Ukraine. Their coalition, the Friends for Peace, aims to foster a diplomatic dialogue that respects the sovereignty of both Ukraine and Russia while promoting a ceasefire. Putin’s distinction between these neutral nations and Western engagement highlights the complexities of international relations in the context of this ongoing conflict.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
