Ukrainian police carry a victim's body following a Russian airstrike on the village of Yarova on 9 September that killed 24 people. (Photo: National Police of Ukraine / EPA) 
South Africa has issued a rare — if not unprecedented — criticism of Russia for its “indiscriminate” airstrike on civilians in the village of Yarova in Ukraine, which killed 24 pensioners in a queue.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/13332106.jpg "Ukrainian forensic investigators don protective gear before examining victims of the airstrike in Yarova on 9 September. (Photo: National Police of Ukraine / EPA)")
“The deliberate targeting of non-combatants is a blatant violation of international humanitarian law and human rights laws and principles,” said the Department of International Relations and Cooperation’s (Dirco’s) spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri.
“South Africa is deeply concerned about the indiscriminate attacks on civilians emanating from a Russian attack which killed pensioners in the village of Yarova in eastern Ukraine.
“At a time when armed conflicts are increasing and escalating, South Africa not only calls for a de-escalation and ceasefire, but also implores all parties to the conflict to abide by international law, including international humanitarian law obligations.”
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/6T5A7818.jpg "Chrispin Phiri. (Photo: Shelley Christians)")
The rare criticism of Russia elicited equally rare praise from Ukraine. Its foreign ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, posted on X, “Thank you, dear colleague @Chrispin JPhiri.
“We appreciate South Africa’s solidarity following Russia’s brutal attack on civilians in Yarova and other violations, as well as @DIRCO_ZA ’s principled stance in support of a ceasefire, respect for international law, and the UN Charter.”
The Russian airstrike on Yarova in the Donetsk province killed 24 people and injured 19, said officials.
The victims were “ordinary civilians” collecting their pensions, said President Volodymyr Zelensky.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/12914747.jpg "Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. (Photo: Presidential Press Service / EPA-EFE)")
Dirco said, “We continue to see attacks against civilians and civilian installations in breach of the principle of distinction. International humanitarian law requires parties to armed conflict to always distinguish 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.
“These breaches of international law escalate current global tensions.
“South Africa supports the efforts of the United Nations (UN) and other international actors working towards the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means, which include dialogue and other forms of peaceful negotiations.
“South Africa remains committed to playing a constructive role in fostering peace and stability globally and calls on all nations to work together to prevent further suffering and bloodshed and aim to protect civilians from harm.”
South Africa’s criticism of Russia could have been prompted by Pretoria’s desire to play a greater role in negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Last month, after returning from a visit to Ukraine, Dirco Director-General Zane Dangor said he had been there to explore the possibility of Pretoria reviving its role in peace negotiations, which had been overshadowed by US President Donald Trump’s machinations.
/file/dailymaverick/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/ED_487391.jpg "Zane Dangor. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images)")
Dangor emphasised the need to respect territorial integrity and the UN Charter. DM