Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Heorhii Tykhyi, revealed that Niger and Mali’s decisions to cut diplomatic ties with Ukraine in August were influenced by Russia. Mali accused Ukraine of supporting rebels who attacked Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers, while Niger cited “Ukrainian aggression” as the reason for severing ties. Tykhyi criticized the decisions as hasty and lacking evidence, pointing out the countries’ dependence on Russia. He emphasized that these decisions would not significantly impact Ukraine’s relations with African countries, as Ukraine continues to strengthen ties with the continent.
During a press briefing following Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba’s tour of African countries, Tykhyi highlighted the potential for mutual benefits in developing diplomatic relations with African nations. Ukraine can offer assistance in areas such as grain shipments, digitalization, and energy security. Tykhyi emphasized that Ukraine’s approach differs from Russia’s, which aims to control countries through offering goods and services. President Volodymyr Zelensky has prioritized developing ties with African countries as part of Ukraine’s foreign policy objectives for 2024. Ukraine aims to strengthen relations with African nations through cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, technology, and energy.
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo spoke about the far-reaching consequences of Russia’s invasion at Ukraine’s peace summit in Switzerland. He highlighted how the invasion has impacted food security in poor countries outside of Europe, with Africa being one of the greatest victims. Akufo-Addo’s statement underscores the global implications of the conflict in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for international cooperation and support. The summit served as a platform for world leaders to address the humanitarian, economic, and security challenges arising from the conflict and its effects on regions beyond Europe.
The recruitment of foreign fighters by Russia, including Egyptians, to fight in Ukraine’s Kharkiv Oblast, reflects Russia’s propaganda efforts to portray Ukraine as involved in terrorism. Heorhii Tykhyi condemned Russia’s narrative and emphasized the need for evidence-based decision-making in diplomatic relations. He criticized Mali and Niger for their rash decisions to cut ties with Ukraine without providing substantive evidence. Tykhyi highlighted the importance of building diplomatic relations based on mutual benefit and trust, as Ukraine seeks to expand its partnerships with African countries in various sectors to address shared challenges.
Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen ties with African nations through cooperation in agriculture, technology, and energy security aim to foster mutual benefits and address common challenges. By offering support in areas such as grain shipments and digitalization, Ukraine seeks to enhance diplomatic relations with countries in Africa. These partnerships are essential for promoting economic development, sustainability, and security in both Ukraine and African nations. The ongoing diplomatic efforts reflect Ukraine’s commitment to diversifying its international relationships and expanding its presence on the global stage. By prioritizing ties with African countries, Ukraine aims to forge strong alliances and collaborations that benefit both parties in the long run.
