Russian President Vladimir Putin and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa held a telephone conversation on August 18, 2025, reinforcing both nations’ shared commitment to diplomatic engagement and multipolar cooperation.
According to the Kremlin, President Putin briefed his South African counterpart on the outcomes of the recent Russia–US top-level talks in Alaska. President Ramaphosa welcomed these developments and reiterated South Africa’s support for peaceful dialogue as the pathway toward resolving the Ukraine crisis. Pretoria’s stance is consistent with its longstanding advocacy for negotiated settlements in international disputes, as well as its positioning as a diplomatic bridge between the Global North and South.
The two leaders also reaffirmed their determination to expand the Russia–South Africa comprehensive strategic partnership. They agreed to strengthen political, economic, and cultural cooperation, while pledging closer coordination within international frameworks.
The conversation comes at a critical moment for BRICS, the grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, which has sought to project itself as an alternative pole in global governance. With South Africa holding significant influence within the African Union (AU), its engagement with Russia adds weight to BRICS’ positioning as a counterbalance to Western-led institutions.
For Russia, reaffirming ties with South Africa not only consolidates its foothold in Africa but also demonstrates its capacity to maintain strong partnerships despite international isolation stemming from the Ukraine conflict. For South Africa, the relationship underscores a balancing act: deepening ties with BRICS partners while maintaining its global reputation as an advocate for peace and multilateralism.
This exchange further illustrates the growing centrality of Africa in global geopolitics. As major powers compete for influence across the continent, South Africa’s active role in dialogue with both Western and non-Western actors positions it as a diplomatic intermediary. Its partnership with Russia extends beyond bilateral ties, symbolising Africa’s leverage in shaping debates on energy, trade, and global security.
For scholars of international relations, the Putin–Ramaphosa call serves as a case study of multipolar diplomacy in practice. It highlights how bilateral conversations between great powers and regional leaders can reinforce broader strategic blocs, strengthen non-Western alliances, and expand the range of voices shaping global outcomes.
According to the scholars, the conversation has among others the following implications for global affairs:
BRICS: Reinforces the bloc’s relevance as a platform for alternative global governance and a counterweight to Western-dominated institutions;
Africa: Underscores South Africa’s role as both a regional leader and a global interlocutor, enhancing Africa’s agency in great-power diplomacy; and the
Ukraine Peace Process: Suggests that non-Western actors, particularly within the Global South, may serve as potential mediators or moral voices in de-escalation efforts.
Story: Naa Dede Mensah
