Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was high on the agenda during a recent political dialogue. In a recent blog, EU Commissioner Josep Borrell explains the concern over South Africa’s position.
I recalled a few fundamental points in this regard to my South African counterparts. First, the easiest way to end this war and the suffering it causes is for President Vladimir Putin to pull out Russia’s troops and stop his attack against Ukraine. This is a simple key point that we will continue to insist on.
Second, Russia’s blatant disregard of international law and principles of sovereignty is as much a threat to Europe as it is to Africa and others. It is happening on European soil, but it affects the whole world. The EU does not ask South Africa or any of our partners to simply choose sides between Russia and the West, and we understand that South Africa has historical reasons to be reluctant to criticise Russia. In this context, however, conducting naval military drills with Russia and China on the anniversary of Russia’s invasion is a matter of serious concern, to say the least.
Lavrov’s visit to South Africa is part of Russia’s wider effort to counter its international isolation and extend its influence in Africa. The continent is at the heart of a battle of narratives concerning the invasion of Ukraine.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
UKRAINE WAR: NATO allies weigh more arms for Ukraine as Russian forces close in on BakhmutKYIV, Feb 14 (Reuters) - Russian forces bombarded Ukrainian troops and towns along the frontlines in eastern Donetsk region on Tuesday in what appeared to be early salvoes of a new offensive as Western allies met in Brussels to plan stepped-up supplies to the Kyiv government.
Read more »
GRUBBY POLICY OP-ED: What could — and should — the Ukraine war cost South Africa?The increasingly unambiguous position of the ANC-led government towards Russia’s war in Ukraine — trending towards unequivocal support of Moscow — could, and should not be, cost-free. It should at least penalise those selling the country’s values for a caviar lifestyle.
Read more »
UKRAINE UPDATE: 13 FEBRUARY 2023: G7 foreign ministers set for Munich meeting; Russian assault intensifiesThe intensity of Russia’s military actions, both on the ground in eastern Ukraine and via Friday’s massive missile barrage, seems to be rising as the invasion’s one-year mark approaches.
Read more »
A Russian general was poisoned by a letter laced with an unknown toxin, close Putin ally says | Business InsiderRamzan Kadyrov said his top general in Ukraine has been poisoned after handling a suspicious envelope.
Read more »
NATO chief warns Ukraine is firing munitions faster than alliance partners can make them | Business InsiderSecretary General Jens Stoltenberg said that the rate at which Ukraine is firing off munitions is straining firms and 'depleting allied stockpiles.'
Read more »
OPINIONISTA: The New World Economy — what Ukraine needs to learn from Afghanistan about proxy warsAmerica’s proxy wars typically rage for years and even decades, leaving battleground countries like Ukraine in rubble. Unless the proxy war ends soon, Ukraine faces a dire future. Ukraine needs to learn from the horrible experience of Afghanistan to avoid becoming a long-term disaster.
Read more »