As the Russian invasion of Ukraine intensifies with shelling that has killed more than 100 civilians and displaced 1.5 million people, former president Jacob Zuma has weighed in calling Vladimir Putin “a man of peace”. Jacob Zuma claims that Vladimir Putin’s actions are justified as he has responded to a threat posed by the US and Nato expansion.
Jacob Zuma’s support comes in the wake of the decision of the South African government no abstain from a UN resolution that condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine. South Africa was among the 35 countries which chose to abstain in the vote. Among the BRICS countries only Brazil voted in favour of the motion that condemns the Russian invasion and called for peace talks.
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Zuma said Vladimir Putin has been “very patient” with the Western nations, but has been clear from the beginning that he opposes the expansion of nations to Eastern Europe. Zuma continued saying that Nato’s eastern expansion would cause a problem for Putin. He further said countries like Russia and China should be applauded for being able to stand up to defend their territories against the Western bullies.
Zuma claims that he was removed from power by Western powers “using their forces that they are in control of within some structures of our government, and some that they control in the ruling party.” He further said if the Western nations were not involved in the Ukraine crisis then the matter would have been resolved quickly. Jacob Zuma believes peace can only be established if the Western powers don’t get involved.
Source: Daily Maverick, IOL, The South African, image from IOL
