Ukrainian Association of South Africa Holds Uninterrupted Peaceful Protests in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria

Pretoria, South Africa – February 2025

On 24 February 2025, the world marked three years since russia launched its unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine—an escalation of the war that began in 2014 with the military annexation of Crimea.

Despite Ukraine’s extraordinary resilience in reclaiming nearly 50% of the territories occupied since February 2022, russia’s brutality continues to intensify.

To honour the victims, demand accountability, and call for a just and sustainable peace for Ukraine, peaceful protests were held in Cape Town, Durban, and Pretoria. These demonstrations urged South Africa and the international community to take a firm stand against russia’s aggression and ensure a just and lasting peace for Ukraine—one that prevents further war crimes.

Symbolic Acts of Protest Across South Africa

To highlight the ongoing violence perpetrated by russian forces not just in Ukraine, but globally, UAZA members staged symbolic acts at the protests:

• In Durban, protesters lit candles in remembrance of the Ukrainian children killed by russia.
• In Pretoria, protesters held up keys to symbolise the thousands of Ukrainian civilians still held in captivity by russian forces. South African dancer Tsholo4elo joined the demonstration with a dance performance in support of Ukraine’s forcibly deported children.

Unusual Appearances at Protests

During the protests Durban, an unknown group of local South Africans appeared near the Ukrainian demonstrators. Some held images of Arestovych reading “Our President”, while another small group carried russian flags. When approached, they were unable to explain their presence or whom they supported. One of the supporters said that local person gave them funds to come here. 

UAZA members were informed in advance that there is an activity where local people are brought by buss and are given russian flags. The police politely moved unknown group aside, where they stood silently. No russian music was heard and the UAZA protest was not interrupted. 

 

The Ukrainian Association of South Africa (UAZA) finds it unusual that South African citizens would hold posters referencing Arestovych without being able to identify who he is or where he comes from. However, UAZA’s protests proceeded peacefully as planned.

“South Africa is a democratic country where peaceful protest is a constitutional right—a stark contrast to russian-occupied territories, where individuals face persecution, torture, and arbitrary detention for expressing dissent.” – stated Kateryna Aloshyna, UAZA President.

War Crimes and Human Rights Violations

This unprovoked war has resulted in immense human suffering, systematic human rights violations, and an ongoing threat to global stability, driven solely by russian imperial ambition. Over 140,000 war crimes committed by russian forces have been documented, including:

• Executions of civilians, torture, and sexual violence
• Deliberate destruction of critical civilian infrastructure
• The forced deportation of over 20,000 Ukrainian children—illegally given new identities and separated from their families
• Systematic execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war, with 147 documented cases, 127 of which occurred in 2024

russia’s full-scale invasion is not just about territorial conquest—it is an attack on sovereignty, democracy, and international law. Using tactics such as scorched-earth warfare, brutal occupation, forced deportations, and the suppression of Ukrainian culture, russia is attempting to erase Ukraine’s identity.

The Devastating Impact of russian Aggression

Since February 2022, russian aggression has resulted in:

• 11 million Ukrainians displaced
• Tens of thousands of civilians killed, including hundreds of children
• Entire cities—Mariupol, Vovchansk, and Bakhmut—reduced to rubble

UAZA remains committed to raising awareness, advocating for justice, and standing in solidarity with Ukraine in its fight for freedom and peace.

ENDS