Send any friend a storyJOHANNESBURG — While the United States and Europe have pressured countries to turn their backs on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, South Africa has doubled down on its longtime alliance with Moscow — a friendship that dates to the struggle against apartheid. At a time when Russia is seen by many as a pariah nation, the Kremlin has turned for support to South Africa, the most developed economy and an influential voice on the African continent. At a time when Russia is seen by many as a pariah nation, the Kremlin has turned for support to South Africa, the most developed economy and an influential voice on the African continent