End Ukraine war, Ramaphosa urges Putin
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, to help end the six-year war in Ukraine. Speaking after meeting Putin during a state visit to Moscow, Ramaphosa underlined his country’s opposition to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and expressed support for Ukrainian territorial integrity. Putin, who has expressed support for separatists fighting Ukrainian government forces, indicated that he and Ramaphosa had a “very helpful” conversation but made no commitment to intervening in the conflict.
Background
The war in Ukraine began in 2014 after anti-government protests in the country toppled a pro-Russian leader and Russian forces annexed the Crimean peninsula. Fighting between Ukrainian government forces and pro-Russian separatists in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine has led to the deaths of over 13,000 people and the displacement of over 1.6 million. Despite ceasefires and peace initiatives, the conflict continues.
South Africa-Russia Relations
Historical Ties
South Africa and Russia have a long history of political and economic ties dating back to the Soviet era. During the apartheid era, the USSR was one of the few countries to actively support the African National Congress (ANC) in its fight against white minority rule. After the collapse of apartheid, Russia became one of South Africa’s key trading partners, particularly in the mining and energy sectors.
Recent Tensions
Ties between the two nations have been strained in recent years, however. South Africa voted in favour of a United Nations resolution condemning Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and has expressed support for Ukrainian sovereignty. In 2018, South Africa expelled diplomats from Russia in solidarity with the UK after the poisoning of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Salisbury.
Ramaphosa’s Overtures
Peace Efforts
Ramaphosa has made several overtures towards resolving the Ukraine conflict during his presidency. In September 2019, South Africa chaired a United Nations Security Council debate on the crisis, with Ramaphosa urging dialogue and diplomacy over escalation. In 2020, he again called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict during discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
South African Interests
Ramaphosa’s interest in resolving the Ukraine conflict stems in part from South Africa’s position as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. As such, the country has a vested interest in promoting peace and security around the world. Additionally, South Africa has a significant Ukrainian diaspora, with estimates putting the community at around 35,000 people.
Putin’s Response
Mixed Signals
While Putin expressed his gratitude for Ramaphosa’s frankness during their meeting, his response to the South African leader’s overtures was somewhat muted. While the Kremlin has recently shown more interest in resolving the Ukraine conflict, Putin has stopped short of committing to any concrete actions to that end.
Domestic Pressures
One factor that may be limiting Putin’s ability or willingness to intervene in the Ukraine crisis is domestic politics. Russia is currently facing significant economic challenges at home due in part to sanctions imposed by the West over the annexation of Crimea. As such, any significant intervention in the Ukraine conflict could be seen as politically risky for Putin.
Conclusion
Cyril Ramaphosa’s call for Vladimir Putin to help end the Ukraine conflict underscores South Africa’s commitment to promoting peace and security around the world. While Putin’s response to the overture was muted, South Africa’s efforts to de-escalate the conflict are likely to continue. With the fighting in eastern Ukraine showing no signs of stopping, initiatives like Ramaphosa’s may provide a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
FAQs
1. What started the war in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine began in 2014 after anti-government protests in the country toppled a pro-Russian leader and Russian forces annexed the Crimean peninsula.
2. What is South Africa’s position on the Ukraine conflict?
South Africa has expressed support for Ukrainian sovereignty and opposes Russia’s annexation of Crimea.
3. What is Russia’s position on the Ukraine conflict?
Russia has expressed support for separatists fighting Ukrainian government forces in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of eastern Ukraine.
4. What is Cyril Ramaphosa’s role in promoting peace in Ukraine?
As the president of South Africa and a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, Ramaphosa has made overtures towards resolving the Ukraine conflict.
5. What is the likelihood of a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict?
While initiatives to promote peace in the Ukraine conflict, like Ramaphosa’s, offer hope for a peaceful resolution, the conflict shows no signs of ending soon.