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.
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However, speaking during the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster media briefing in Pretoria earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Thandi Modise said for now no South African had been told to leave the two countries.
“Not as yet, we have not been officially told that South Africans wish to be evacuated either from Russia or Ukraine. You will know that South Africa believes in dialogue and we are hoping that dialogue will actually be followed in the situation and when the need arises will inform you,” says Modise.
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