Ukraine Ambassador Ms Liubov Abravitova claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa hasn’t reached out to her President. Image: DA/ Twitter
Ramaphosa hasn’t called Ukraine President depite reaching out to Putin
It has emerged that President Cyril Ramaphosa opted out of reaching out to Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine Ambassador Ms Liubov Abravitova claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa hasn’t reached out to her President. Image: DA/ Twitter
DA leader John Steenhuisen and Ukrainian Ambassador Liubov Abravitova met on Friday to discuss the continued Russian invasion in Ukraine.
Following the meeting, Abravitova revealed that President Cyril Ramaphosa has opted not to call Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine willing to engage with any party in bid to garner support
The Ambassador says that she appreciated the support for the Ukraine shown by the DA-led Western Cape province. However, Abravitova highlighted that she is willing to engage with any political party on the conflict in her country.
“I am ready to speak with every political party if they want to talk with me. I am ready to speak with every city in South Africa, in the continent. We need you, we can stop it. Every day matters. Please, thank you.”
Ukrainian Ambassador Liubov Abravitova
Ramaphosa’s call to Putin
This comes after it emerged that Ramaphosa had indeed reached out to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday. Commenting on the meeting, the President said that SA’s position had been highlighted during the call.
“I outlined our position on the conflict that has unfolded as well as our belief that the conflict should be resolved through mediation and negotiation between the parties and – if need be – with the help of agencies that can help bring a solution to the conflict.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
Ramaphosa claimed that Putin had ‘appreciated’ the stance that South Africa has opted to take on the conflict.
“President Putin appreciated our balanced approach. We believe this position enables both parties to subject the conflict to mediation & negotiation. Based on our relations with the Russian Federation and as a member of BRICS, South Africa has been approached to play a mediation role.”
Cyril Ramaphosa
DA opts to condemn Russia
The Democratic Alliance leader, addressing the media outside of Parliament following the meeting, voiced the opposition party’s support for Ukraine. Certainly, Steenhuisen condemned Russia, commenting that:
“We unequivocally condemn Russia’s illegal invasion of a sovereign state and the harmful position taken by National Government. The DA extends its support to Ukraine.”
John Steenhuisen
