Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, African countries have shown growing interest in Ukraine, while the positions taken by states across the continent — from active support to abstentions in international votes — have become an increasingly important factor on the global stage. Attention toward Ukraine was further amplified by the food crisis triggered by Russia’s blockade of the Black Sea shipping corridor, which had a particularly severe impact on African nations.
On the eve of Africa Day, observed annually on May 25, Ukrinform spoke with Liubov Abravitova, Director of the Department of Africa and Regional African Organizations at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about Ukraine’s evolving approach to cooperation with the continent, the recruitment of Africans to fight in Russia’s war against Ukraine, Russia’s “blood diamonds,” and what the diplomat misses after returning from an eight-year posting in Africa.
AFRICA IS ALSO STRATEGICALLY IMPORTANT FOR UKRAINE’S EUROPEAN INTEGRATION
Ukrinform: At the end of March, the Office of the President hosted a strategic meeting on the priorities of Ukraine’s foreign policy toward the African continent. Ukrainian officials have been emphasizing the importance of Africa for at least the past five years. Have Ukraine’s priorities in this area changed recently?
