President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed that South Africa has been approached to play a mediation role in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Russian troops recently invaded Ukraine after President Vladimir Putin declared war in a televised address on Wednesday, 23 February.
According to Ramaphosa, he recently had a phone call with Putin, to address South Africa’s position on the conflict.
“I outlined our position on the conflict that has unfolded, as well as our belief that the conflict should be resolved through mediation and negotiation between the parties and – if need be – with the help of agencies that can help bring a solution to the conflict.
“President Putin appreciated our balanced approach. We believe this position enables both parties to subject the conflict to mediation and negotiation,” Ramaphosa said.
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However, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has met with Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Africa, Ms Liubov Abravitova, to strongly condemn the Russian Federation for its illegal invasion of Ukraine.
“During the meeting, I expressed my great sorrow at the growing loss of life caused by the invasion.
“This unprovoked, illegal war, which threatens world peace and the very foundation of the liberal international order, cannot be met by neutrality and silence. It requires all of us to take a stand,” Winde expressed.
Winde further urged Ramaphosa and Minister Naledi Pandor to meet with Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Africa as soon as possible to hear first-hand the horror of President Putin’s war.
Meanwhile, the Russian government have also released a statement indicating that Putin and Ramaphosa will continue to keep communication lines open between the two countries.
“At the request of [President] Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of Russia spoke about the reasons for and goals of the special military operation to protect Donbass,” the statement said.
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This is how the Western Cape’s agricultural trade is affected by the Russian-Ukraine conflict
Picture: Cape {town} Etc gallery