- President William Ruto called on Ukraine to release Kenyans allegedly detained after being persuaded to join the war between Russia and Ukraine
- In a telephone conversation with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, William Ruto urged cooperation to eliminate illegal employment networks that exploit young Africans
- Zelenskyy promised to investigate and assure Kenya of action, thanking Ruto for supporting Ukraine at the United Nations
- Both leaders agreed to strengthen relations through humanitarian, economic, and food security cooperation ahead of the Ukraine Food Summit
President William Ruto has urged Ukraine to release Kenyans reportedly detained in the Eastern European country.
Source: Facebook
Ruto’s appeal follows growing concern over reports that Kenyan youth are being lured to join Russia’s war with Ukraine through deception.
The allegations have raised more questions about the proliferation of foreign employment networks targeting Africans.
What did Ruto discuss with Zelenskyy?
In a phone conversation with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ruto expressed deep concern about the situation of Kenyans who may have been tricked into joining the conflict.
The country’s leader emphasized Kenya’s commitment to ensure the safety and return of its citizens.
Both leaders agreed to work closely together to break down illegal employment and protect vulnerable youth from exploitation.
In a statement shared on X on Thursday, November 6, Ruto said he appreciated Zelenskyy’s assurance that Ukraine would investigate the matter and take the necessary steps to ensure the release of any arrested Kenyans.
“I have had a fruitful conversation by phone with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and discussed various issues of mutual interest between our two peoples and our countries. I have asked President Zelensky to facilitate the release of any Kenyan who is under the custody of Ukraine. I thank His Excellency for accepting my appeal,” Ruto said.
Ruto also congratulated the Ukrainian leader for organizing the upcoming Ukraine Food Summit, which will bring countries together to discuss food security and other cooperation.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to maintaining good relations with Ukraine, stressing that food security and international cooperation remain at the core of Kenya’s foreign policy.
How did Zelenskyy respond to Ruto’s concerns?
Zelenskyy, in a statement from Kyiv, confirmed the discussions and thanked Kenya for its continued support amid what he described as Russia’s “criminal war” against his nation.
He said both countries will strengthen cooperation through their respective ministries and maintain dialogue on humanitarian and economic issues.
Source: Twitter
Zelenskyy added that Ukraine was preparing to submit a resolution to the United Nations condemning the abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia.
He said he was grateful for Kenya’s support in the matter, a move that further strengthens Kenya’s diplomatic position in the United Nations.
“I had a productive conversation with Kenyan President William Ruto. I informed him about Russia’s attacks on people and infrastructure, and I am grateful for his warm words of support. We touched on the issue of the recruitment of foreign nationals by Russia in its criminal war. We are aware of all the fraudulent methods used and will work more closely to stop them.
We also discussed our bilateral relations and joint projects. Our teams will continue to work on them. We paid a lot of attention to the issue of Ukrainian children. This month, at the United Nations, Ukraine will submit a resolution condemning the illegal abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children by Russia. I am grateful that we can count on Kenya’s support,” Zelensky said.
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