Tensions between the Ukraine and Russia have been ramping up in recent weeks, with the military of the latter being seen near the Ukrainian capital city of Kyiv and explosions heard nearby.

It is a situation that continues to escalate and while most world leaders have voiced their concerns, calling for Russia to halt its actions, the South African government has remained relatively mum on the subject.

Until yesterday, however, as Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Dr Naledi Pandor has issued a statement.

Unfortunately, it is lukewarm at best, calling for both parties to come to negotiating table in order to reach a peaceful outcome.

“All parties have much to gain from a negotiated outcome and much to lose from an unnecessary and violent conflict,” she said. While we are in agreement with the above statement, the fact that Russia has not been singled out for its actions to date, is quite telling.

As is the fact that Pandor is calling for the United Nations to intervene on matters.

“The UNSC (United Nations Security Council) is the body given the mandate for maintenance of international peace and security, and it must exercise its role fully,” she noted.

“As South Africa, we believe all the issues of concern to any of the parties must be addressed in inclusive talks led by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Security Council,” Pandor continued.

It looks like South Africa is going to sit on the fence when it comes to this issue, which could escalate into a war far larger than just the Ukraine and Russia. As such, one can’t help but wonder what South Africa’s involvement as a BRICS nation will mean moving forward, especially given our economic ties to Russia.

Either way, SA’s answer to all this is to ask both parties to play nice.

“The world does not need another war as that will result in death and destruction, hence our call for enhanced diplomacy,” the statement concluded.