Image source, Getty Images

Former South Africa President Jacob Zuma has backed President Vladimir Putin in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, describing him as a man of peace.

Western nations have imposed punitive sanctions on Russia, including the freezing of Mr Putin's foreign assets over his invasion of Ukraine.

But Mr Zuma said Mr Putin's decision was "justifiable", according to a statement, external released by his foundation.

"We all need peace in this world. Therefore we would like to urge those involved to bring peace as swiftly as possible so that lives can be saved," the statement said.

Mr Zuma was forced out of office by his own party in 2018, the African National Congress (ANC), over corruption allegations. He denies any wrongdoing.

Namibian students who have arrived home from Ukraine following Russia's invasion will have an option to enrol in local universities, the education ministry has said.

A ministry official termed it a second chance to the students, although there was no clarity on how grades will be transferred.

The announcement came as some 23 students arrived home on Sunday.

It is unclear if the evacuation was done on a return ticket to allow the students to return to Ukraine after the war.

African students who were studying in Ukraine had said that they were uncertain about the fate of their education.

Some countries like Ghana have agreed with Hungary that some Ghanaian students who had fled Ukraine can complete their studies in Hungarian universities.

They will provide space and resources and the students will pay the same fees as in Ukraine.

Image source, Reuters

Nigerian, Ghanaian and Somali students are among hundreds of foreign nationals stuck in Ukraine's north-eastern city of Sumy which has been pummelled by Russian forces for days.

There is no food in the market, cashpoints are not working and the students are drinking melted snow after running out of water.

An Indian student, Vipin Yadav, who is part of the group trapped in the city, estimates about 1,300 foreign students are still trapped there - including people from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Turkey.

In a phone interview, Mr Yadav told the BBC's Danny Aeberhard that there was nothing to eat for the last four to five days.

Nigerian and Ghanaian governments have been repatriating their nationals who are fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The first groups arrived back home last week.

More than 1,000 Ghanaian students were living in Ukraine until Russia invaded the country. The West African nation has so far made two repatriation missions.

Nigeria is expected to evacuate 5,000 citizens who crossed from Ukraine to the neighbouring countries of Romania, Poland and Hungary.

Read more:

• Why so many African and Indian students were in Ukraine

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