President Cyril Ramaphosa Confirms Phone Call With Vladimir Putin, SA Jokes About What Was Discussed
- President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that he received a phone call from Vladimir Putin
- Ramaphosa confirmed that the Russian leader provided him with an update about peace talks
- South Africans shared hilarious reactions to the phone call, speculating about what was really said
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – South Africa and Russia will continue to have open lines of communication and maintain their cooperation on issues of bilateral interests.
That’s according to the Presidency, which confirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa had a phone call with President Vladimir Putin. The pair spoke to each other on 18 August 2025.
What was discussed in the meeting?
Apart from the promise to keep working together, the call also discussed the situation between Russia and Ukraine, and Donald Trump’s attempts to broker a peace deal between the two nations.
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Putin provided Ramaphosa with an update about his meeting with Trump in Alaska, saying that the US President claimed that ‘great progress had been made to quell Russia’s war in Ukraine, but no mention was made of a ceasefire.
Ramaphosa also noted that Putin was satisfied with how talks with Trump were progressing.
"President Ramaphosa appreciated the briefing from President Putin. The president underscored the need for more compromise on key issues for lasting peace to be attained between Russia and Ukraine," the Presidency noted.
Ramaphosa has been vocal on Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and in 2023, he told Putin how the war was affecting African countries. He also welcomed Zelensky to the country in April 2025.
How are talks for peace progressing?
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with Trump on Monday, 18 August 2025, as the US continues to try and broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Other European leaders are also gathering for the meeting, which follows on from Trump’s meeting with Putin.
While Zelensky maintains that Russia needs to end its unlawful invasion, Trump said that he must agree to some of Putin’s conditions for that to happen. That includes giving up Crimea to Russia and agreeing never to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).
Source: Getty Images
How did South Africans react to the call?
With South Africa already in hot water with the US over some of its relationships, and many citizens criticising the government for getting involved in international matters, social media users shared their hilarious thoughts on the call with Putin.
Mabandla Lutya joked:
“And he asked Putin if Trump said anything about him, maybe mentioned something about the tariffs, because Trump doesn't seem to be taking his calls🤣.”
Mlamuli Flabba Mene Hadebe said:
“Maybe it's Putin from Soweto, not the one from Russia.”
Chris Van Den Berg teased:
“Yes, I am sure Putin asked Ramaphosa for advice🤣.”
Craig Bird asked:
“What could Putin possibly have to say to this chop?”
Margaretha Toerien stated:
“He called me too. But I was a tad busy🙄.”
Seale Ntlatlane joked:
“He calls everyone that guy. Even now, we are chatting on WhatsApp. I like his memes.”
Alistair Thackeray asked:
“Was he shocked that Vlad called?”
Ida Mpholo stated:
“I still don't think he's that important😕.”
Ntsira L Pakade said:
“So, he feels so important 😂 He reminds me of my friend in high school.”
Zelna Hansen Barnard asked:
“Why don’t you worry about what’s happening in your backyard?”
US President phones Ramaphosa
Briefly News reported that Trump also phoned Ramaphosa before Zelenskyy visited South Africa.
The US and South African Presidents agreed that the Russian war on Ukraine needed to end.
The call also came a day after Ramaphosa and Putin had a phone call to discuss the ongoing war.
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Source: Briefly News
