Ukraine has pledged to strengthen economic and political ties with African nations despite the ongoing conflict within its borders.
Yurii Tokar, Ukraine’s ambassador to Kenya, told Bbeg Media at the Kampala Serena Hotel that they had redirected their foreign policy towards Africa to enhance economic cooperation between Ukraine and African countries.
“If well-coordinated, both parties stand to gain mutual benefits,” Tokar said.
Accompanied by a senior member of the Ukrainian delegation, which attended the just-concluded Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) summit in Kampala, Tokar announced that Ukraine will soon establish eight new embassies across Africa, in Botswana, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Rwanda, Mauritania, Ghana, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. These embassies aim to bolster trade, commerce, immigration, political, and military cooperation.
Tokar also said there are ongoing discussions with Uganda to establish a Ukrainian embassy in Kampala, facilitating the growing partnership between the two nations.
However, Tokar expressed concern over the NAM summit’s failure to prioritise the Ukraine crisis, which he believes allows Russia to continue undermining Ukrainian sovereignty. He urged African nations to prevent Russia from recruiting their citizens for its military campaign against Ukraine.
Tokar called for stronger sanctions against Russia by international bodies such as the European Union, United Nations, and African Union, arguing that such measures would hinder Russia’s ability to export oil and gas, thereby limiting its capacity to acquire weapons used against Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure.
He noted that peace is gradually returning to Ukraine, with businesses and diplomatic missions resuming operations.
He assured African countries of Ukraine’s commitment to collaboration through trade, education, and cultural exchanges to aid the nation’s post-war rebuilding efforts.
Despite ongoing conflict with Russia, Tokar emphasised the resilience of the Ukrainian people, who remain steadfast in defending their land and independence.
“We know what we are fighting for,” he affirmed.
