The arrival of the Russian naval training ship, Smolny, in Cape Town has caused controversy due to the covert nature of the visit. The Ukrainian Association of South Africa expressed concern over continued military cooperation with Russia, citing recent incidents of violence allegedly carried out by Russia in Ukraine. The visit has also raised questions about Russia’s expanding military influence in South Africa, with a future visit by a Russian Tupolev Tu160 longrange bomber to the Africa Aerospace and Defence 2024 exhibition adding further controversy.
