US Ties Under Strain Over Russia Relations

The White House has stated that "We consistently and strongly urged countries not to provide weapons for Russia's war", but added that it would not get drawn into diplomatic discussions, saying only that "It's a serious issue." The comments come a day after the bombshell accusation from the US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety that the Ramaphosa administration had provided weaponry to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine.

• The furore risks a major schism developing in SA-US relations at a time when Washington had sought to make overtures towards the SA gov't for fear of a major emerging market shifting from a non-aligned status to a more overtly pro-China/pro-Russia.
• Earlier today, Russian state-run TASS reported that President Vladimir Putin had held a call with his SA counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. There has been significant uncertainty recently as to whether Putin will attend the BRICS summit in South Africa later this year. Putin is subject to an ICC arrest warrant, and as a signatory to the Rome Statute the SA gov't would be obliged to arrest the Russian leader on his arrival. South Africa's Mail and Guardianreported earlier today that Putin would look to attend in person.
• Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni went on the offensive earlier today, criticising Brigety's actions and stating that:“South Africa cannot be bullied by the United States.”