Russia, South Africa, Ambassador, Abravitova, Vladimir Putin, Cyril Ramaphosa, Russia-Ukraine conflict

Ukraine’s ambassador to SA has shared some strong words about President Ramaphosa’s call with President Putin. Photo: @CyrilRamaphosa / Twitter

JUST IN: Ramaphosa speaks to Putin over the phone

Russian President Vladimir Putin’s office confirmed he chatted with President Cyril Ramaphosa – here’s what was discussed

Russia, South Africa, Ambassador, Abravitova, Vladimir Putin, Cyril Ramaphosa, Russia-Ukraine conflict

Ukraine’s ambassador to SA has shared some strong words about President Ramaphosa’s call with President Putin. Photo: @CyrilRamaphosa / Twitter

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa has spoken to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in a phone call, the Kremlin has confirmed. This comes after the United States (US) government claimed South Africa provided Russia with weapons for the war with Ukraine.

According to reports, US ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety, said the US had found that Lady R, a sanctioned Russian cargo vessel that docked at Simon’s Town in December 2022, was loaded with weapons. There have been concerns of South Africa’s ties to the Kremlin negatively impacting relations with the US.

The ambassador said the issue was raised as a concern during the recent visit to the US by a high-level South African delegation. As previously reported, Simon’s Town residents saw container trucks enter the dockyard and cranes loading and unloading cargo from the ship under cover of night. Armed security personnel reportedly oversaw the operations.

ALSO READ: Lady R: Sanctioned Russian ship seen moving cargo in Simon’s Town before leaving as quietly as it came

WHAT DID RAMAPHOSA AND PUTIN DISCUSS?

According to the Kremlin, both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Vladimir Putin discussed the conflict in Ukraine. Putin further said that Russia is not against going the diplomatic route in resolving the crisis with his neighbour, which has divided the international community.

Putin’s office added that he supports Ramaphosa’s proposal to involve African leaders in talks regarding the Ukraine invasion, with the aim to eventually end the conflict.

ALSO READ: No, you hang up: Ramaphosa enjoys ‘friendly’ phone call with Putin

STRONGER TIES BETWEEN RUSSIA AND SOUTH AFRICA?

In addition, the Kremlin said both Russia and South Africa have agreed to closer ties, amid tensions with the US. Putin reportedly also offered Ramaphosa to deliver Russian grain and fertilisers free of charge to African countries, including South Africa.

This isn’t the first time both leaders spoke over the phone – in June last year, Ramaphosa and Putin discussed several matters of importance, including the Ukraine invasion.

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