IN BRIEF: Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine

Russia-Ukraine conflict could be resolved through mediation: Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reiterated South Africa’s stance on the invasion of Ukraine by Russian soldiers that the conflict could be resolved through mediation.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has entered its fourth day.

Thousands have been displaced as they flee from the conflict. It has also left some dead following the constant bombardment and shelling by the Russian army.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a two-day PEC meeting of the ANC in Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, Ramaphosa said that war was devastating.

East African countries ensure citizens of safety of their kin in Ukraine

The governments of East African countries could end up footing the bill of the unplanned evacuation of its nationals from Ukraine as the invasion of the Eastern European country by Russia continues.

Governments in the region have been assuring their citizens of the safety of their kin in Ukraine, even as some reach out for help from the embassies.

Russian citizens living in South Africa are ashamed about the Russia-Ukraine crisis

Some Russians living in South Africa say they are ashamed about the war that’s currently taking place in Ukraine.

They picketed at the Nelson Mandela Square, In Sandton, north of  Johannesburg.

Demonstrators were joined by some citizens from the Baltic states like Lithuania and others.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been widely condemned.

No instruction to evacuate South Africans from Ukraine

Government says there hasn’t been any instruction to evacuate South Africans from Ukraine and Russia.

Nearly 200 Ukrainians including children have been killed in Russia’s invasion of the country a few days ago.

South Africa has, meanwhile, called for a cessation of hostility and for warring parties to return to negotiations.

Pretoria has strong historical ties with Russia, as both countries are members of the BRICS economic bloc.

Finland to shut down airspace to Russian planes

Finland is preparing to close its airspace to Russian air traffic, Minister of Transport and Communications Timo Harakka said in a tweet late on Saturday, making it the latest European country to take this measure after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The moves follow similar closures of airspace of the UK,Poland, Bulgaria, Czech Republic and Romania to Russia’s aircraft. Lithuania and Latvia, have also said they were closingtheir airspace to Russian airliners, while Germany said it was preparing to do so.

Russia’s likely countermeasure will heavily hurt Finland’s state carrier Finnair, for which a key strategy is to fly from Europe to Asia over Russia.

NATO allies provide Ukraine with weaponry, financial support

Some of the NATO allies including the United Kingdom, the United States and Germany on Saturday announced a series of decisions to provide weaponry and financial supports to Ukraine amid the ongoing “special military operation” launched by Russia.

On Saturday evening, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on phone, in which Johnson updated Zelensky on the progress of the British government’s assistance to Ukraine.

Both sides agreed to welcome the increased willingness to take action to exclude Russia from the SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) payment system. Russian troops enter Ukraine’s Kharkiv

Ukrainian forces battled Russian troops on the streets of Ukraine’s northeastern city of Kharkiv on Sunday, the regional governor said.

Ukraine submits application against Russia to ICJ

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday his nation had submitted an application against Russia to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“Russia must be held accountable for manipulating the notion of genocide to justify aggression. We request an urgent decision ordering Russia to cease military activity now and expect trials to start next week,” Zelenskiy wrote on his Twitter.

Czechs evacuate Kyiv, Lviv missions, staff on way to Prague

The Czech Republic has evacuated all staff from its embassy in Kyiv and consulate in Lviv and they are on the way to Prague, Czech Radio quoted Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky as saying on Friday. 

East African countries ensure citizens of safety of their kin in Ukraine

The governments of East African countries could end up footing the bill of the unplanned evacuation of its nationals from Ukraine as the invasion of the Eastern European country by Russia continues.

Governments in the region have been assuring their citizens of the safety of their kin in Ukraine, even as some reach out for help from the embassies.