Motlanthe made the comments while addressing an online discussion hosted by the Centre for Development and Enterprise last night, saying that no war solves problems and that it should be condemned.

Russia's military action in Ukraine is now entering its seventh week, with the South African government thus far refusing to join other countries in condemning Moscow.

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Motlanthe is now the first high profile politician within the ANC to publicly speak out against the invasion of Ukraine.

Motlanthe said there were opportunities to intervene and avoid the eventual invasion of Ukraine on 24 February.

He added that this war will be a no-win situation for both countries, because Russians are now involved in a war that they didn't approve of.

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In that sense, Motlanthe said his take on this is that Russia's invasion of Ukraine should be condemned.

At the same time, he has criticised Fifa for suspending Russia from international soccer, with Motlanthe warning that that blurs the lines when it comes to the separation of sport and politics.

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Motlanthe's comments come at a time during which the South African government remains steadfast in its position that peaceful negotiations will be the only way to resolve the war.

South Africa's representative at the UN has also refused to join a non-binding resolution that demands Russia withdraws from the Ukraine.

Jacaranda News