Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has expressed his support for US President Donald Trump’s call for an immediate end to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has now entered its third year.
Since the war began, the United States and its Western allies have been Ukraine’s primary backers, providing billions of dollars in military and financial aid.
However, since returning to the White House, Trump has refused to send additional aid to Ukraine, instead pushing for what he describes as a "peace deal" between the two nations. Despite his efforts, no agreement has been reached.
Recently, Trump accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of being "not ready for peace", while claiming that Russian President Vladimir Putin was willing to negotiate.
The war in Ukraine must end. Former President Thabo Mbeki. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/AjeVXcMDZV
The war has caused widespread destruction, led to significant civilian casualties, and displaced millions. It has also disrupted global energy and food supply chains, resulting in severe economic consequences worldwide.
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Mbeki, speaking to SABC News, endorsed Trump’s stance, emphasising the urgency of ending the conflict.
“The positions taken by Trump on this matter are correct — when he says this war must end. His efforts to engage both President Putin and President Zelenskyy to move toward a resolution as quickly as possible are the right approach. I support Trump very strongly on that,” Mbeki said.
He further described Trump’s peace initiative as an "important step" and urged global support for the effort.
“I think he has taken a very important initiative, and I hope that everybody — the Russian Federation, Ukraine, the West Europeans, NATO, and us on the continent — will support it,” Mbeki added.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is also expected to meet with Zelenskyy at the Union Buildings next month with the ongoing war set to be a major talking point between the two leaders.
IOL News