In the wake of accusations by the US Ambassador that South Africa supplied war material to Russia, the Ukrainian Ambassador has asked for a meeting with the Defence Minister.
Ambassador Liubov Abravitova has been a very visible face of Ukraine in South Africa and a forceful advocate of the country’s case in the war with Russia. The US Ambassador said that a Russian ship, the Lady R, had docked in the naval base in Simon’s Town.
South Africa has claimed non-alignment in the war, but has demonstrated a marked sympathy towards Russia. If these allegations are correct, it would mean that South Africa’s position has extended to actual military support for Russia.
Neither Defence Minister Thandi Modise nor President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated any knowledge of the purpose of the ship’s visit. Terence Corrigan of the Institute of Race Relations said in a television interview that this claim was not credible.
[Image: https://www.embassydirect.co.za/2020/04/28/counsellor-liubov-abravitova-ukrainian-charge-daffaires-to-south-africa-2/]