South Africa has warned of “regional and global ramifications” if the escalating Russia-Ukraine conflict is allowed to deteriorate further.
In a statement on Wednesday (23 February), the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) urged all parties involved to revert to diplomacy and “find a solution that will help de-escalate tensions and avert armed conflict.”
South Africa ‘concerned’ about Russia-Ukraine conflict
“All parties have much to gain from a negotiated outcome and much to lose from an unnecessary and violent conflict,” the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor said.
Pandor called on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to play a central role in the search for peace between Russia and Ukraine.
“The UNSC is the body given the mandate for maintenance of international peace and security and it must exercise its role fully. As South Africa, we believe all the issues of concern to any of the parties must be addressed in inclusive talks led by the UN Secretary-General,” she added.
“The world does not need another war as that will result in death and destruction, hence our call for enhanced diplomacy,” the Department concluded.
Invasion
News reports early on Thursday (24 February) indicated that Russia had in fact escalated the tensions by launching an invasion of Ukraine, sparking fears of a full-scale war.
The invasion reportedly involved cruise missile strikes and airstrikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure and border areas in the eastern parts of the country.
Russian troops also reportedly crossed the border into Ukraine from Belarus and the Crimea, while explosions were heard in cities such as Odessa, Mariupol, Kharkiv, Dnipro and the capital Kyiv.
In a speech prior to the military operations, Russian President Vladimir Putin explained why Russia is attacking Ukraine, saying the aim is to “demilitarise” Ukraine.
“Our plans do not include the occupation of Ukrainian territories. We are not going to impose anything by force,” he however added.
The conflict could have implications for South Africa’s economy amid reports of rising oil prices and a negative impact on the rand.