South Africa, which currently has a budding relationship with Russia, spoke against Russia’s decision to attack Ukrainian pensioners.
Reports indicate that on Tuesday, a Ukrainian village was attacked by a Russian airstrike, which killed 24 elderly people collecting pensions.
The attack seemed to have struck a chord with fellow BRICS member, South Africa, which noted that it was ‘deeply concerned’ about the scale of violence being perpetrated, as seen on Bloomberg.
“Deliberate targeting of non-combatants is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law,” the Department of International Relations and Cooperation said in a statement on Wednesday.
“South Africa is deeply concerned about the indiscriminate attacks on civilians emanating from a Russian attack, which killed pensioners.”
This is hardly the first time Pretoria has spoken against Russian actions, as South Africa, in August, decided to look into reports of Russian companies targeting young women for overseas work that may be supporting Moscow’s war in Ukraine through drone factories.
Concerning the war in Eastern Europe, South Africa has decided to remain on the fence, taking a non-aligned stance, as it continues its balancing act with the West and long-time ally, Russia.
Its sentiments towards the conflict have always bordered on the idea of a cease-fire, thus allowing the country to entertain bilateral ties with both sides.
South Africa has also, in recent weeks, offered to play the role of mediator between the two warring states.
“South Africa not only calls for a de-escalation and ceasefire, but also implores all parties to the conflict to abide by international law,” the statement said. “These breaches of international law escalate current global tensions.”
South Africa’s intent to end the war between Russia and Ukraine
Early in August, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke directly to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in quick succession.
Within 48 hours, each leader had updated Ramaphosa about the ongoing conflict.
The back-to-back conversations highlighted the country’s delicate diplomatic balancing act while also reaffirming Ramaphosa’s commitment to portraying South Africa as a competent mediator in one of the most intractable issues of the modern age.
On August 7, President Ramaphosa spoke with Putin in response to the Russian leader’s offer to brief him on the Ukrainian peace process and explore areas of mutual interest.
The Kremlin leader expressed admiration and gratitude for South Africa’s involvement in advancing peace talks, a notable concession from a regime that has repeatedly dismissed outside mediation as futile or biased.
The next day, the South African president shifted his focus to Kyiv. Ramaphosa was briefed on Ukraine’s position on the peace process during his phone conversation with Zelenskyy, according to a statement from the South African presidency.
The Ukrainian leader praised South Africa for its ongoing aid in pursuing a peaceful resolution and emphasized Kyiv’s commitment to creating long-term peace.
