Former South Africa President Jacob Zuma has backed Russian President Vladimir Putin in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing him as a man of peace.
In a March 6 statement issued by the Jacob G Zuma Foundation, Zuma said Putin’s decision was “justifiable”, “We all need peace in this world. Therefore we would like to urge those involved to bring peace as swiftly as possible so that lives can be saved.”
He blamed the West for trying to establish an untenable security risk to Russia by establishing a NATO base in Ukraine.
“It is clear that without the issuance of Western powers behind Ukraine, the Impasse between Russia and Ukraine could be resolved quickly and amicably,” the statement read.
The former South Africa president noted that countries like Russia and China due to their strong political and economic independence, have managed to defend their territories from Western bullies.
Zuma advised president Zelensky to put the interests of Ukrainians first, instead of pondering to his western allies at the expense of innocent lives.
“I am certain that His Excellency Putin will reciprocate and will bring all his power to have peace a reality, as I know him to be a man of peace, who has worked had to ensure peace and stability in the world,” Zuma noted.
Zuma was forced out of office by his own party in 2018, the African National Congress (ANC), over corruption allegations. He however denies any wrongdoing.
Below is the full statement
BREAKING: pic.twitter.com/31QlI3u0ge
— JGZuma Foundation (Official) (@JGZ_Foundation) March 6, 2022