South Africa says it is neutral in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. But many Western countries see South Africa as an ally of Russia in Africa. For example, the country has abstained on various UN resolutions condemning Russia for invading Ukraine.
In January, his South African counterpart, Pandor, received Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. In February, the two countries held military exercises with China.
In addition, South Africa also has a historical relationship with Russia. The Kremlin helped the ruling African National Congress fight apartheid.
South Africa is also part of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the five “emerging economies”. All BRICS countries (except Russia) try to take a neutral position in the conflict and fail to condemn Russia. In August, South Africa organizes a summit of the BRICS countries. But the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Putin in March. If Putin travels to the summit, the South African government should arrest him.
