South Africa has not taken sides in diplomatic issues over the war in Ukraine. As it has now become known, the country has probably come to terms with the Russians – as the US ambassador there said on Thursday, weapons have already been delivered to Russia.
The US accuses South Africa of supplying ammunition to Russia via a Russian ship that docked in Cape Town in December last year. The US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben Brigety, was convinced of this, according to the South African media.
Cargo ship direct to Russia?
South Africa has thereby abandoned its supposed non-aligned position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. “Among other things, we found that the cargo ship docked at Simon’s Town Naval Base between December 6 and December 8, 2022, and we are confident that it loaded weapons and ammunition onto the ship at Simon’s Town on its way back to Russia,” the ambassador said.
Brigety: “I’d bet my life on it”
Brigety told reporters that the US government is taking the matter seriously. “Arming the Russians is an extremely serious issue that we do not consider resolved and we want South Africa to implement its non-aligned policy,” he said. When asked about the veracity of US findings that munitions had actually been shipped to Russia, Brigety said he would bet his life on it.
Also held joint military exercises
The docking of the ship “Lady R” at the naval base in December had previously sparked speculation and concern. “We also expressed serious concern about the timing of joint naval exercises with Russia and China in South African waters, which coincided with the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” the ambassador said.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
