The State Department and the Pentagon on Monday had been silent on allegations from the U.S. ambassador to South Africa that Pretoria is supplying arms to Russia to be used in its warfare in opposition to Ukraine. 

Officials on the State Department referred questions concerning the claims to the South African authorities.

“Our relationship with South Africa remains strong. We continue to be committed to the affirmative agenda of our bilateral relationship,” State Department spokesman Vedant Patel advised reporters. “There are a number of issues that we look forward to working with them on.”

Last week, Ambassador Reuben Brigety advised native media in South Africa that U.S. officers had been assured {that a} South African ship, the Lady R, was crammed with navy {hardware} and sure for Russian offensive operations in Ukraine.

“I will bet my life on the accuracy of that assertion,” Mr. Brigety stated.

Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to handle the specifics of Ambassador Brigety’s claims, which have prompted a diplomatic row between each nations.

“This is something that we’re taking very seriously (and) it’s something that the U.S. government has raised and discussed with the South African government,” Gen. Ryder, a Pentagon spokesman, advised reporters on Monday. “The U.S. has strongly urged countries not to provide support to Russia’s war machine.”

Mr. Brigety later partly walked again his allegations following official protests from the South African authorities. 

“I was grateful for the opportunity to speak with (South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor) and correct any misimpressions left by our public remarks. I reaffirmed the strong partnership between our two countries and the important agenda our presidents have given us,” Mr. Britety stated on Twitter.

South African officers denied that they'd violated their coverage of not taking sides within the warfare in Ukraine.

“We have been firm on this point. South Africa has not been, and will not be, drawn into a contest between global powers,” President Cyril Ramaphosa stated.

Sen. James Risch of Idaho, the highest Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, defended Ambassador Brigety, saying the way in which he was handled by South African authorities officers “doesn’t reflect friendship or a neutral partner.”

“It’s also unfortunate that the State Department didn’t back him up,” Mr. Risch stated on Twitter.

A retired South African decide will lead an inquiry into what occurred on the naval base as a result of there isn't any “concrete evidence” to assist the U.S. envoy’s allegations, President Ramaphosa stated. South African navy officers stated they welcome the investigation.

“The inquiry will offer the (Defense Department) an opportunity to (tell) its side of the story with concrete evidence, and deal with allegations surrounding the purpose of such a visit in front of a competent officer of the law instead of hearsay or speculation,” South African navy officers stated in an announcement.

The controversy prompted a telephone name to President Ramaphosa over the weekend from Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy.

“I spoke about the peace formula, about justice, and about the fact that our world should be united by the rules of international law,” Mr. Zelenskyy stated. “Anyone who helps the aggressor with a weapon will be an accomplice with all the consequences.”

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