Vladimir Putin praises China, Brazil and South Africa for ‘balanced’ Ukraine peace efforts

Russian President Vladimir Putin has praised the “balanced” Ukraine peace drive led by China, Brazil and South Africa, describing it “a genuine attempt to find a solution”.

“We view this as a balanced attempt without imposing anything on either Ukraine or Russia,” Putin said, according to state-owned news agency Tass.

The three countries formally established a “Friends for Peace” group in September along with other developing nations at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

Its stated aims are to unite the Global South in promoting peace, calling for a ceasefire and advocating for the resumption of peace talks.

Speaking at his annual press conference, Putin contrasted these “neutral” nations with the West, which he accused of waging “a proxy war” in Ukraine.

The Friends for Peace platform emphasises the need for a balanced, impartial approach, without taking sides or replacing existing diplomatic frameworks. A communique on forming the platform called for a “comprehensive and lasting settlement” through “inclusive diplomacy and political means”.

Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping met former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, in Beijing, who also praised the group’s proposals.