From the very beginning of Russia's full-scale attack on Ukraine, South Africa declared its neutrality. However, in reality, the position of South Africa, at least its president, is unequivocally pro-putin.
On June 25, foreign minister Annalena Baerbock said in a Sunday Times commentary that South Africa should reconsider its position and support Ukraine. The minister stated that the voice of South Africa is essential in the world and recalled the great citizens of South Africa and the world — Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
"If the country of Mandela and Desmond Tutu speaks out against injustice, the world is listening," Annalena Baerbock.
The minister stressed that she understands the position of South Africa: they are hundreds of thousands of kilometres from Ukraine and believe that the war does not concern them.
"But I want to encourage everyone to ask themselves the question: what kind of reaction would I expect from the international community if this war were to unfold in my neighbourhood?" Annalena Baerbock.
The chief diplomat of German diplomacy stressed: if they do not see a side in this war that is worth taking, then think about whether they are ready to accept Russian aggression as the norm?
On June 27, Baerbock will fly to South Africa to meet with his colleague Naledi Pandor to discuss South Africa's position on Ukraine. Secondary topics will be assistance to Germany in the transition to green energy and assistance in the fight against corruption.
We remind you that on June 16, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa was in Ukraine with a "peacekeeping mission". With him, he tried to smuggle 12 containers with weapons and special forces. And all this composition then successfully went to Russia to meet with putin.
