/RUSSIA: South Africa Stands By "Neutrality" On Russian War Against Ukraine

South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor told reporters at a press briefing with her Russian counterpart that her country continues to support a peaceful solution to the war in Ukraine and will look to boost its relations with Russia across different domains.

• Lavrov noted that Russia "appreciates the position of principle of South Africa," which he called "responsible" and based on the "allegiance to the key national interests of South Africa and its people."
• Commenting on the invasion of Ukraine, the Russian official reiterated his familiar claims about the West waging "no longer a hybrid war, but a real one" against Russia.
• Lavrov is in South Africa at the invitation of Minister Naledi Pandor, which has attracted criticism from Western nations, some of which are among South Africa's top trading partners.
• After concluding his South Africa visit, Russia's Foreign Minister will head to Eswatini, Angola and Botswana. He will then return for another leg of his Africa tour with visits to Morocco, Tunisia and Mauritania in February.