Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has extended his congratulations to Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa on his re-election as president. Despite ongoing tensions surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the two leaders are committed to strengthening the partnership between their countries.
Ramaphosa was re-elected by parliament, but his party, the African National Congress, failed to secure a majority in the recent election. As a result, a government composed of five parties has been formed in South Africa.
Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia and Ukraine have been vying for support from African nations. South Africa, with its historical ties to Moscow dating back to Soviet times, initially condemned Russia’s actions but has since taken a more nuanced stance.
South Africa’s participation in the recent peace summit on Ukraine highlighted the country’s delicate position as a host of the BRICS meeting in 2023. There was speculation about inviting Putin to the event, despite an international warrant for his arrest.
In the end, Putin declined to attend the BRICS meeting. South Africa’s diplomatic relations with both Russia and Ukraine continue to be closely watched as they navigate the complexities of international politics.
