Zuma Lambastes Western Countries

By: Lindelani Mbatha

Former President Jacob Zuma has described Russian President Vladimir Putin as a man of peace whose actions are justified in response to the threats posed by the US, and NATO’s eastward expansion.

In a statement, Zuma’s foundation says Putin had been very patient with the West as he repeatedly explained that North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) eastern expansion was a threat to Russia.

Last week, South Africa abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution condemning Russian aggression and calling on it to immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine

Ukraine’s Parliament has resolved to work towards joining NATO but there are no signs it will join in the near future.

The foundation continues to argue that, in the past, the US invaded states it perceived as threats, but NATO did not condemn those actions, however, Western countries have now united against Russia.

Jacob Zuma Foundation Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi says the former president believes Putin will reciprocate and bring all in his power to make peace a reality.