Ramaphosa breaks silence, finally speaks to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence and finally spoken to his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky.

This is the first time Ramaphosa has spoken to Zelensky since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia almost two months ago after having already spoken to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin.

In a tweet shared on Wednesday, Zelensky said he and Ramaphosa discussed the ongoing situation with Russia and other issues, including fears of a looming global food crisis.

“Had a phone conversation with @CyrilRamaphosa. Told [him] about our resistance to Russian aggression. Discussed the threat of a global food crisis, deepening relations with the Republic of South Africa and cooperation within international organizations.”

South Africa has been heavily crticised for repeatedly calling for Russia and Ukraine to maintain the momentum of peace talks and resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiations, which has placed government under fire for its neutral stance after failing to condemn the war.

Earlier this month,  South Africa abstained once again after the UN General Assembly voted to suspend Russia from the UN Human Rights Council over what it said is gross and systematic violations and abuses of human rights.

The United States (US)-led resolution received 93 votes in favour and 24 against, and 58 countries abstained.

Ramaphosa said the fundamental responsibility of the global community is to ensure that human suffering in Ukraine is brought to an end and that sustainable peace is achieved.

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The president also said the war in Ukraine has exposed the inability of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to maintain international peace and security.

“The war in the Ukraine has had an extraordinary impact on global affairs, and these developments will continue to define international relations into the future. As a country we are committed to the articles of the United Nations Charter, including the principle that all member states shall settle and should settle their disputes by peaceful means.”

Last month, Ramaphosa blamed Nato for the war in Ukraine when answering questions in the National Assembly in Cape Town.

Kyiv ambassador to the United Nations (UN) General Assembly, Sergiy Kyslytsya also lambasted South Africa and its neutral stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine after it introduced a resolution titled ‘Humanitarian situation emanating out of the conflict in Ukraine.‘

The resolution made no reference whatsoever to Russia or Vladimir Putin and their role in the invasion and war it started in February.

Kyslytsya described the failed resolution as ‘fresh paint on a mouldy rotten structure of the assembly.’

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