[imagesource: EPA -EFE / Sergei Chirikov / Pool]

“What’s that, Vlad? If I don’t pass that nuclear deal there will be hell to pay?”

If ever you needed a reminder of how embarrassing it is to have the ANC at the helm, look no further than the party’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

While the majority of the rest of the world has rightly condemned President Vladimir Putin and his government, we’ve been forced to watch our politicians cosy up to the murderous dictator with a number of platitudes.

Let’s not mention Fikile Mbalula and his fake Ukraine visit tweet.

Yesterday, President Cyril Ramaphosa picked up the ringer and dialled into Russia, with News24 reporting he “has reaffirmed his commitment to further develop bilateral relations with Russia”.

Never mind that other countries are racing to rack up the sanctions and distance themselves from Russia.

Ramaphosa was quick with off the mark with a few tweets:

I outlined our position on the conflict that has unfolded as well as our belief that the conflict should be resolved through mediation and negotiation between the parties and – if need be – with the help of agencies that can help bring a solution to the conflict.

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 10, 2022

President Putin appreciated our balanced approach. We believe this position enables both parties to subject the conflict to mediation & negotiation. Based on our relations with the Russian Federation & as member of BRICS, South Africa has been approached to play a mediation role.

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 10, 2022

Our country almost burnt to the ground last July as rioters ran amok, looting and stealing on live TV, but let’s go solve the “conflict” in Russia, at once!

In a statement, the Kremlin said the leaders had exchanged congratulations on the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and South Africa.

The two presidents also “reaffirmed their commitment to further develop the bilateral strategic partnership, noting, in particular, their readiness to expand trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation, as well as joint Covid-19 response efforts”.

The Kremlin also said that Ramaphosa “supported the ongoing political and diplomatic efforts”.

What’s diplomatic about sending airstrikes to take out a hospital maternity ward?

Earlier this morning, news broke that the Ukrainian cities of Lutsk and Dnipro have been hit for the first time, and air raid sirens rang out overnight.

But sure, what the region is lacking is ANC politicians as middlemen.

As per usual, Zapiro’s take on The Daily Maverick is on the money:

[source:news24]