Joint exercises with Russia: Ukraine calls on South Africa not to encourage aggression

This is stated in the comment by MFA Ukraine spokesman Oleg Nikolenko, Ukrinform reports.

According to the official, a Russian frigate marked with the "Z" and "V" symbols takes part in the exercises. It is under these symbols that the Russian army is currently committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that the Russian warship is carrying missiles of the same type that is used to kill civilians and destroy critical infrastructure in Ukrainian cities and villages.

"We are deeply disappointed that at a time when the international community, particularly African countries, condemns Russian aggression and strengthens the isolation of the Russian Federation in order to end the war, the South African authorities are adopting the experience of the Russian war machine. The climax of cynicism is that the maneuvers begin around February 24 – the day when, a year ago, Russia unleashed a war Europe hasn’t seen since World War II," the official said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine called on South Africa not to encourage further Russian aggression and the sense of impunity, as well as to stand up for the fundamental principles of international law and UN Charter.

On February 24, 2022, Russia unleashed a new stage of its war against Ukraine – a full-scale invasion. Throughout the year, the Defense Forces of Ukraine have inflicted significant losses on the aggressor, eliminating almost 147,000 invaders.