Ukraine is seeking to deepen economic, trade and security relations with Nigeria and other African countries as its economy continues to show resilience amid the war with Russia.

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, said this in an interview on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Kholostenko said Ukraine’s economy, after a sharp contraction at the start of the invasion, was gradually returning to growth, supported by business adaptability, recovery in domestic production and effective state institutions.

He said the economy had endured the burden of the war and continued to function under wartime conditions.

The envoy acknowledged that the war had placed significant pressure on public finances, with a large portion of the state budget allocated to defence.

He, however, said support from the European Union (EU), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and other partners helped Ukraine to maintain macro-financial stability and meet its social and humanitarian obligations.

Mr Kholostenko said continued international support, increased private investment and accelerated reconstruction would provide a strong foundation for Ukraine’s development and post-war recovery.

On trade with Nigeria, he said bilateral economic relations had grown significantly in spite of the war.

He said goods trade, which stood at about $17 million in 2025, had reached nearly $60 million dollars in the first half of 2026.

According to him, Ukraine is seeking to move beyond predominantly commodity-based trade toward a broader economic partnership with Nigeria.

He identified agriculture and food security, engineering and agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, information technology (IT) and digital technologies, energy and education as priority areas.

“We regard Nigeria as one of Ukraine’s key partners in West Africa. Ukraine, for its part, can offer technologies, products and practical expertise capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic development.

“The goal is to develop not only trade but also long-term partnerships, joint projects, investment and local production in Nigeria,” he said.

On security, Mr Kholostenko said Ukraine was evolving from an aid recipient into a contributor to global security, particularly through its expertise in battlefield innovation and unmanned systems.

He said this was demonstrated during Ukraine’s Independence Day celebration in Kyiv, where nearly 100 Ukrainians made aerial, ground and maritime defence systems and were presented.

“This expertise and technological capacity will enable Ukraine, after the war, to become a genuine security provider for its partners,” he said.

Mr Kholostenko said Ukraine was defending not only its own security but also a model of international relations based on equality, democracy, respect for human life and respect for national borders.

He warned that the effects of the war were also being felt in Africa, saying Russia’s blockade and attacks on Black Sea ports, grain facilities and shipping had disrupted supply chains and increased food-price pressures on import-dependent African countries.

The ambassador also expressed concern over the alleged recruitment of African citizens by Russia through “deception and false promises,” after which some were allegedly coerced into fighting or manufacturing drones.

“There is a bitter historical irony in this. Citizens of African countries that fought for the right to free themselves from colonial rule are now being exploited by Russia to kill Ukrainians who are likewise fighting for their right not to become a colony,” he said.

Mr Kholostenko called on African countries to play a greater role in restoring peace based on the UN Charter.

He welcomed African support for UN resolutions defending sovereignty and territorial integrity and invited African countries, including Nigeria, to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children under the “Bring Kids Back UA” initiative.

He said Ukraine had received more than 20,610 reports of children allegedly unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia.

He added that the next meeting of the coalition was scheduled for September 2026.

The envoy also urged African countries to support efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war by ensuring humanitarian access to occupied territories and backing accountability mechanisms.

“Each country can choose the area and format of engagement that best corresponds to its capabilities.

“For Ukraine, every voice, every diplomatic step and every practical initiative matters,” he added.

(NAN)