Explanation of South Africa's Position on Russian Invasion of Ukraine

 Brookings published on 2 August 2022 a commentary titled "How Do Global South Politics of Non-alignment and Solidarity Explain South Africa's Position on Ukraine?" by Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, South African Institute of International Affairs.  

South Africa's neutral position on Russia's invasion of Ukraine should be understood through two prisms: (1) its key foreign policy principles and positions and (2) the continuing importance of solidarity with old friends.  South Africa sees the invasion of Ukraine as a proxy war between Russia and NATO.  

Russia in Africa: Old Ties Open Doors but Ukraine Is a Negative Factor

 The BBC posted on 28 July 2022 an article titled "Russia-Ukraine Crisis: Lavrov Shows Diplomatic Clout in Africa" by Catharine Byaruhanga.  

Most African countries voted in the UN General Assembly to condemn the Russian invasion of Ukraine, but a significant minority, including South Africa, abstained.  Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has just completed a four-country tour in Africa to build support for Russia's invasion of Ukraine.  French President Emmanuel Macron and senior U.S. officials are also travelling in Africa and making counter arguments.