Russian President Vladimir Putin said he doesn't reject the idea of peace talks with Ukraine. 

Mr Putin said he would be open to peace talks with the country as he met with African leaders to discuss ways to potentially end conflict. 

“In general, the African initiative in my opinion can be the basis of some processes aimed at search for peace,” he said. “The same as others, such as, for example, the Chinese initiative.” 

Mr Putin, however, said a ceasefire is “impossible” while Ukraine continues its counter offensive, while Kyiv said Moscow must first withdraw its forces from occupied territory. 

'The upper hand'

Security and Defence analyst Declan Power said Mr Putin may only want the upper hand before peace talks begin. 

“[Mr Putin] knows that it's likely that there's going to be these talks at some stage,” he said. “He wants to try and do it when Russia has the upper hand on the ground.” 

“He's also appealing in a way to get greater African support by putting them at the driving seat.” 

African Union Chairman and President of the Union of the Comoros Azali Assoumani, his wife Ambari Assoumani and Russian President Vladimir Putin, 29/07/2023. Image: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

Some four African heads of state travelled to the annual Navy Day Parade in St. Petersburg today in hopes that Moscow will renew its deal on the safe export of Ukrainian grain. 

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said he has a right to find ways to help his own country. 

“We feel that we have a right to call for peace because the ongoing conflict also negatively affects us,” he said.