South Africa's Dilemma: Balancing Neutrality and International Pressure Amidst Putin's Arrest Warrant

Despite being a signatory to the ICC, South Africa insists it is neutral in the war between Russia and Ukraine, despite longstanding ties with Moscow. The country is now assessing its legal options, including immunity for visiting officials, ahead of the BRICS summit in August, where Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to attend. South Africa's bias towards Moscow is traceable to the ANC's roots, which relied heavily on support from the Soviet Union during the apartheid era. The relationship is complicated, with some analysts suggesting that Russia has forced South Africa's hand. The country's noncommital stance is causing friction with the US, one of its biggest political and trading partners.