South Africa deeply concerned about civilian attacks in Ukraine

Government has expressed deep concern over indiscriminate attacks on civilians following the strike in the village of Yarova in Eastern Ukraine, which reportedly killed more than 20 people, many of them elderly civilians waiting to collect pension payments.

This follows a Russian air strike on a Ukrainian village predominantly inhabited by pensioners on Tuesday, 9 September 2025. 

Amid rising and intensifying armed conflicts, the Department of International Relations and

Cooperation said South Africa not only calls for a de-escalation and ceasefire, but urges all parties involved to respect international law, including obligations under international humanitarian law. 

“We continue to see attacks against civilians and civilian installations in breach of the principle of distinction,” the department said. 

According to the department, international humanitarian law requires all parties to armed conflict to distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians, as well as between military and civilian targets. 

“The deliberate targeting of non-combatants is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights laws and principles. Such breaches of international law escalate current global tensions,” the department added. 

In the meantime, the department reaffirmed South Africa’s support for the efforts of the United Nations (UN) and other international organisations in working towards the diplomatic resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through dialogue and peaceful negotiation. 

According to UN News, the World Health Organisation’s latest Health Needs Assessment conducted in Ukraine in April found that seven in ten people reported mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and severe stress over the past year, directly linked to attacks on civilian infrastructure. 

“South Africa remains committed to playing a constructive role in advancing peace and stability globally, and calls on all nations to work together to prevent further suffering and bloodshed, prioritising the protection of civilians.” – SAnews.gov.za