A Timeline of South Africans in the Russia-Ukraine War
The Russia-Ukraine War, which began in 2014, has been a devastating and ongoing conflict that has captured the attention of the world. It has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives and has caused immense destruction and displacement. While the conflict primarily involves the two nations of Russia and Ukraine, there have been many other countries that have been impacted by the war, including South Africa.
South Africa, a country well known for its hard-won struggle for freedom and democracy, has a long history of supporting peace and stability in other nations. Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, South Africa has been actively involved in various efforts to help bring the conflict to an end and provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the war. Let us take a look at the timeline of South Africans in the Russia-Ukraine War and their contributions towards bringing peace and hope to the affected region.
2014: South Africa Condemns the Invasion of Crimea
On February 27, 2014, Russian forces invaded the Crimean Peninsula, causing tension and unrest in the region. As the situation escalated, South Africa, along with many other nations, condemned the invasion. A statement issued by the South African Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) read, “South Africa is deeply concerned about the unfolding situation in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine.” This condemnation was a clear indication of South Africa’s stance against any form of aggression and violation of international laws.
2014-2015: South Africa Participates in EU-led Talks
Following the invasion of Crimea, the European Union (EU) initiated talks with Russia and Ukraine in an attempt to resolve the conflict peacefully. South Africa, as a member of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) alliance, was invited to participate in these talks. In October 2014, South Africa, along with other BRICS member states, proposed a four-point plan for resolution, including the protection of the sovereignty of all countries involved and the peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue. South Africa continued to participate in these talks until the signing of the Minsk II agreement in February 2015.
2015-2016: South African Parliament Passes a Resolution on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
The South African Parliament passed a resolution, calling for a peaceful solution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict in June 2015. The resolution also expressed concern about the human rights violations and civilian casualties caused by the conflict. It urged all parties involved to adhere to international law and to find a diplomatic solution to the conflict. This resolution highlighted South Africa’s commitment to peace and justice and its role as a responsible member of the global community.
2017: South African President Addresses the UN General Assembly on the Conflict
During the 72nd session of the United Nations General Assembly, held in September 2017, South African President Jacob Zuma addressed the assembly and called for an end to the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He emphasized the need for dialogue and for the respect of international laws and treaties. President Zuma also expressed concern for the humanitarian situation in the region and urged all parties to prioritize the well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
2018-2021: South African Humanitarian Aid Efforts
As the conflict in Ukraine continued, South Africa, through its humanitarian organizations, provided aid and support to the affected communities. In June 2018, the Solidarity Fund, a South African charitable organization, donated R100,000 (over $6,500 USD) to a Ukraine-based non-governmental organization (NGO) providing assistance to war-affected communities. In 2020, the humanitarian aid organization, Gift of the Givers, handed over a food parcel, hygiene products, and blankets to a community affected by the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Furthermore, South Africa also welcomed Ukrainian refugees seeking asylum and provided them with necessary support, including food and shelter. In 2021, the Gift of the Givers, in partnership with the Ukrainian embassy in South Africa, facilitated the repatriation of Ukrainian citizens stranded in South Africa due to the pandemic.
South Africa’s efforts in providing humanitarian aid to the affected communities and supporting peace initiatives have not gone unnoticed. The Ukrainian Ambassador to South Africa, Nataliia Zadorozhna, expressed her gratitude for South Africa’s support and emphasized the importance of international solidarity in bringing an end to
