African Leaders Seek Putin's Mediation in Ukraine Peace Talks

Russian President Vladimir Putin interrupted African leaders seeking to mediate in the Ukraine conflict to challenge the assumptions of their plan, reiterating his position that Ukraine and the West had started the conflict long before Russia sent its armed forces over the border in February last year. The African leaders are seeking agreement on a series of "confidence building measures" even as Ukraine last week began a counteroffensive to push back Russian forces from Ukrainian territory they occupy. Putin said Russia was "open to constructive dialogue with anyone who wants to establish peace on the principles of fairness and acknowledgement of the legitimate interests of the parties".