The Conversation published on 13 April 2022 a commentary titled "Russia's War in Ukraine: How South Africa Blew Its Chance As a Credible Mediator" by Laurie Nathan, University of Notre Dame.
South Africa abstained on 3 UN General Assembly resolutions that condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. South Africa emphasizes its neutrality as a credential for serving as a mediator. The author argues that mediators must be willing to follow international law, which Russia clearly violated, and South Africa now seems biased against following international law. In the eyes of Ukraine, therefore, South Africa is not viewed as impartial.
