MOSCOW, May 24 – Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov criticized the United States’ recent allegations against South Africa, stating that they exemplify Washington’s long-standing tendency to chastise nations that pursue an independent foreign policy. Speaking to reporters, Ryabkov likened the behavior to that of a headmistress who deflects her own problems onto others.
“This is merely a reflection of Washington’s entrenched habit of berating those who, for whatever reason, do not please the Americans in terms of pursuing an independent, autonomous foreign policy. It is like a headmistress who goes through problems of her own but takes her inner mess out on people who know what they need and how to move on,” commented the deputy minister in response to the US allegations against South Africa.
Ryabkov emphasized that preparations for the upcoming BRICS ministerial meeting in Cape Town are nearing completion, highlighting the positive trajectory of Russia’s political dialogue and overall relationship with the Republic of South Africa, including in the material sphere. He expressed confidence in the continued growth of cooperation between the two nations.
The accusations from the United States emerged on May 11 when US Ambassador to South Africa Reuben Brigety claimed that weapons and ammunition were loaded onto a Russian vessel, The Lady R, at the Simon’s Town South African naval base near Cape Town in December 2022. In response, the South African presidential administration denounced the allegations, stating that they undermine the Pretoria-Washington partnership and highlighting the absence of any evidence to support the claim. Following the incident, Ambassador Brigety was summoned to the South African Foreign Ministry, where Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor expressed her dissatisfaction, and the ambassador later apologized for crossing the line.
