Jacob Zuma Backs Russia’s Invasion Of Ukraine, Calls Putin A ‘Man Of Peace’
Former South African President Jacob Zuma has spoken out about the ongoing crisis between Russia and Ukraine, endorsing Russian President Vladimir Putin wholeheartedly.
Zuma explained why he believes Russia was provoked in a statement issued by the Jacob G Zuma Foundation on Sunday, saying he felt it would be “responsible of him not to enjoy his constitutionally protected freedom of expression” if he did not share his views on the matter.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Man Hunt Launched After Two Girls Aged 6 and 14 Kidnaped And Killed
Zuma described the genesis of the crisis, stating that Russia has been steadfast in his opposition to NATO’s eastern incursion into Ukraine for years.
Ukraine and Russia are separated only by a line on the map and not by the Baltic Sea — why is this complicated to understand?”
“If forces, globally known to be hostile to the USA, were known to be establishing the presence of any sort in any of the adjacent territories, the USA would certainly act in a manner that it believes would neutralise such a perceived threat,” said Zuma.
He continued to expand on the threat the expansion of Nato is to Russia. “Surely, in terms of efforts to achieving world peace, the sovereignty of Ukraine and all the democratic dictates cannot mean allowing Nato to establish a presence on its real estate, thus establishing an untenable risk to Russia.”
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Fears Of Xenophobia Resurface As South Africans Clash With Foreigners In Alex
Zuma further stated that he believes President Vladimir Putin is a man of peace and that the crisis would be resolved.
“I am certain that his excellency Vladimir Putin will reciprocate and will bring in all his power to make peace a reality, as I know him to be a man of peace who has worked hard to ensure peace and stability across the globe,” read the statement.
South Africa refrained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution denouncing Russia’s invasion and demanding on Russia to withdraw its forces from Ukraine immediately last week.
BREAKING: pic.twitter.com/31QlI3u0ge
— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) March 6, 2022
