South Africa has been asked by a third party to mediate in the Ukraine crisis. This request comes after Ramaphosa called Russian president Vladimir Putin on Thursday to get a clear sense of what was going on.
Ramaphosa went to Twitter to thank Vladimir Putin for taking his call saying that he needed to understand the underlying issues between Russia and Ukraine. He did not mention the word “war” or even asked Putin to withdraw his troops in Ukraine during the phone call.
South African officials have conceded that Ramaphosa will not be able to bring the two parties together and reach a peaceful solution. Even though South Africa has a good relationship with Russia because of the BRICS membership, Vladimir Putin is determined to have his way in Ukraine.
Also read: Russian assault in Ukraine results in casualties on both sides
Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine began near the border of Belarus and no agreement was reached. Even when negotiations were taking place the Russian shelling continued in Ukraine. A ceasefire was set to come into effect so that civilians who would like to leave Russia could do so. Fighting began as the civilians began to make their way out of the four cities in Ukraine.
The latest move on Wednesday by the Russian army to attack a maternity hospital in the city of Mariupol leaving 17 people injured and three people now reported killed by the strike has lead to intensified tension. Russia is set on toppling the Ukrainian government and South Africa may not be able to get the two sides to find a peaceful solution in this crisis.
Source: ENCA, Reuters, Daily Maverick, image from ENCA
