Zimbabwean Leader Urges Russian Backing in UN Over Western Sanctions

Last year, the US, the EU and a number of their allies imposed sanctions on Russia over its alleged role in the Ukrainian internal crisis. A number of Zimbabwean companies and individuals, with links to the government, are also targeted by Western sanctions over the accusations of human rights abuses following the 2002 presidential election.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe asked for Russia's support within the United Nations as both countries had been targeted by international sanctions.

"This is the reason why we should work together," Mugabe said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Meanwhile, President Putin said that Russia seeks to develop both bilateral ties with Zimbabwe and relations with the whole of the African Union, which is chaired by President Mugabe this year.

President Mugabe visited the Russian capital to attend the celebrations marking 70 years since the defeat of Nazi Germany in 1945.