Ukraine is deeply concerned about the joint naval exercises with Russia and China in the Republic of South Africa. 

A Russian frigate marked with the symbols “Z” and “V” takes part in the exercises. These are the symbols under which the Russian army is currently committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.  

The Russian warship is also carrying missiles of same type used to kill civilians and destroy critical infrastructure in Ukrainian cities and villages.  

We are deeply disappointed that while the international community, including African countries, condemns the Russian aggression and strengthens the isolation of Russia in order to put an end to the war, the South African government is seeking to adopt the experience of the Russian war machine. 

The most cynical development is that the commencement of the exercises is assigned around February 24 – the day when, a year ago, Russia unleashed the war of a kind that Europe has not seen since the Second World War. 

We call on the Republic of South Africa not to encourage further Russian aggression and its sense of impunity, as well as to stand up for the fundamental principles of international law and the UN Charter.