[1] South Africa has avoided criticizing Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea and instead argued for solidarity amongst BRICS nations.

[2] Although initially critical of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,[3][4] South Africa sought to repair and maintain friendly relations with Russia.

"[9] Said ambassador later stated that her country was finding it difficult to engage with the South African government on the issue due to a lingering goodwill towards Russia, citing the Soviet Union's assistance to the anti-apartheid struggle as the reason, something the ruling African National Congress (ANC) views as being provided by Russia.

[13][11] South Africa is not a signatory to the joint communique supporting the territorial integrity of Ukraine following the Russian invasion.

[18] The Western Cape provincial cabinet later passed a resolution to condemn the Russian invasion in support of Ukraine, as well as the clampdown on protest within Russia against the war.