A small group of Ukrainian immigrants gathered on Friday at Simon’s Town, the site of South Africa’s main naval base, to protest against Russia’s involvement in the multinational naval exercise Will for Peace 2026, which also includes warships from China, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Demonstrators criticized South Africa for inviting Russia to take part in the week‑long joint military drills in its waters while Moscow continues its war against Ukraine. Ukrainian expat Kateryna Fedkina called on Pretoria to suspend military cooperation with what she described as an “aggressive state,” saying it was painful to see Russian naval forces training in South African waters.
The “Will for Peace 2026” exercise, running from January 9 to 16, is led by China and involves BRICS Plus navies mobilizing in Simon’s Town harbor as part of efforts to enhance maritime cooperation and security. Warships from China and Iran have already arrived, and a Russian corvette moored in False Bay ahead of the maneuvers.
South Africa says the drills were planned well before the current geopolitical tensions and are aimed at improving joint maritime capabilities and protecting shipping routes. Deputy Defense Minister Bantu Holomisa told local media the exercises predate regional political conflicts and should not be seen as antagonistic.
However, opposition voices within South Africa, including the Democratic Alliance party, argue the military cooperation with Russia and Iran undermines the nation’s non‑aligned stance and could strain relations with Western powers.
The protests come amid broader international friction, with the United States and other Western countries raising concerns about South Africa’s hosting of Russian naval assets in the context of ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalry.
