South Africa has become, firstly, Putin’s mouthpiece, seeking to transform multilateral institutions in his favor; and secondly, Iran’s shadow attack dog promoting the interests of their proxies.
Russia has also jailed Evan Gershkovich, a Jewish American reporter for the Wall Street Journal, on charges of espionage, setting off international outrage over Putin’s treatment of the press.
Asked about the CNN report at the current NATO summit in Washington, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said Russia was waging a hybrid war of aggression, including cyberattacks and sabotage.
Syrian officials however have repeatedly said that any normalization in ties can only come after Turkey agrees to pull out thousands of troops from the rebel-held northwest.
Russia and China are key partners of Iran. Iran, under Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash, had worked hard to increase ties with Russia and China.
"Our cooperation is not aimed against anyone, we are not creating any blocs or alliances, we are just acting in the interests of our peoples," Putin said.
Ankara has expressed interest in joining international organizations led by Beijing, Moscow.
White House National Security Spokesman John Kirby warned that Russia and China are looking to challenge the international order in ways that contradict the interests of Washington.
Experts explain nuclear blackmail as Kremlin seeks to deter Western support for Ukraine.
"Go ahead, let Putin go in and control Ukraine, and then move on to Poland and other places. See what happens then. He has no idea what the hell he's talking about," Biden said of Trump.
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