Ramaphosa: SA approached to mediate in Russia-Ukraine war
President Cyril Ramaphosa had a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Thursday, the Presidency has revealed.
The call mostly dealt with Russia's invasion of neighbouring Ukraine and the war.
Russian forces are currently encircling at least four major Ukrainian cities and armoured vehicles have rolled up to Kyiv's northeastern edge, where suburbs including Irpin and Bucha have endured days of heavy bombardment.
South Africa has come under fire from some quarters for refusing to call on Putin and Russia to withdraw from Ukraine, but Ramaphosa says the Russian president appreciates the country's "balanced approach" to the conflict.
READ: Russia-Ukraine war: Cabinet repeats call for diplomatic solution
Ramaphosa says he outlined that the conflict has to be resolved through mediation.
"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.
"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."
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