US-SA relations | US welcomes probe of Russian arms

PRETORIA - The US is welcoming South Africa's probe into allegations of arms shipments to Russia.

Its ambassador to Pretoria, Reuben Brigety, believes weapons and ammunition were loaded onto 'Lady R'.

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The Russian freighter had docked at a Cape Town naval base in December.

The envoy says the alleged shipment is 'fundamentally unacceptable'.

The State Department's Vedant Patel refused to say if there would be any repercussions for South Africa.

READ: Ramaphosa rubbishes claims that SA is arming Russia

The US has repeatedly warned China not to provide arms to Russia.

"The US has serious concerns about the docking of a sanctioned Russian cargo vessel at a South African naval port in December of last year," Patel said.

"And, as good partners do, we have raised those concerns directly with multiple South African officials. And I will leave it at that."

The US is welcoming South Africa's probe into allegations of arms shipments to Russia. The State Department's Vedant Patel refused to say if there would be any repercussions for South Africa. #DStv403 #SouthAfricanMorning pic.twitter.com/k4g817iP02

— eNCA (@eNCA) May 12, 2023