Ruto urges Russia and Ukraine to choose dialogue over war
President Ruto noted that Kenya and Ukraine have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties for more than three decades, with cooperation cutting across various sectors.
President William Ruto has called on Russia and Ukraine to embrace dialogue as the only path to ending the war that has now stretched into its fourth year.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday while bidding farewell to the Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Andril Pravednyk, Ruto said the envoy delivered a goodwill message from Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
He noted that Kenya and Ukraine have enjoyed strong diplomatic ties for more than three decades, with cooperation cutting across various sectors.
“They include trade in grains, especially wheat and maize, and fertilisers from Ukraine. On its part, Kenya exports tea, coffee, flowers and cabbage,” Ruto said.
The President emphasised that the war in Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences, particularly in disrupting global supply chains of grain, fuel and fertilisers. He underlined Kenya’s stance that respect for the UN Charter, especially national sovereignty and territorial integrity, must guide the way forward.
“The Country strongly believe in the UN Charter, and especially in national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. Ruto stressed that dialogue remains the only viable path to achieving peace and halting the hostilities.
“Bid farewell to Ukraine Ambassador to Kenya Andril Pravednyk, State House, Nairobi, after his tour of duty,” he added.
The conflict in Ukraine began more than three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion. Since then, Russian forces have gradually increased their control over parts of eastern Ukraine while intensifying airstrikes on Kyiv and other cities.
Despite diplomatic efforts, including US President Donald Trump’s recent meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, and with President Zelensky and European leaders, no breakthrough has been achieved.
