Russia and Ukraine are engaged in a dispute over alleged interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
On Friday, the Russian government issued a warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of financing protests in Nigeria. Nationwide protests demanding an end to poor governance took place in Nigeria from August 1 to 10 and resumed on October 1, coinciding with the country’s 64th independence day.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nigeria has noted media reports regarding potential protests at the beginning of October this year. We are concerned that certain Western and Ukrainian media are attempting to preemptively accuse Russia of involvement or organization of such unrest,” stated Russian Press Secretary Yury Paramonov. He dismissed claims from Western and Ukrainian officials, including U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, who suggested that the appearance of Russian flags during recent protests indicated Russian interference.
Paramonov referenced a note sent to Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the end of September, addressing rumors of potential unrest and emphasizing that the embassies of the U.S., U.K., and Ukraine were prematurely blaming Russia. He concluded that these accusations were unfounded and aimed at sowing discord between Russia and Nigeria.
In response, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, condemned Russia’s actions, stating, “Ukraine knows well the nature of the Russian regime. The truth is that the Russian army commits numerous war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine daily, including the killing, raping, and torturing of civilians, including women and children.”
Kholostenko further accused Russia of undermining international food security and referenced the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin. “All these atrocities and war crimes are being committed under Russian flags,” he asserted, promising that Russia would face accountability under international law for its actions.