Abuja: Ukraine is seeking to deepen economic, trade, and security relations with Nigeria and other African countries as its economy continues to demonstrate resilience amid the ongoing war with Russia. The Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, Mr. Ivan Kholostenko, highlighted these efforts in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kholostenko emphasized that Ukraine’s economy, after experiencing a sharp contraction at the onset of the invasion, is gradually returning to growth. This recovery is supported by business adaptability, a resurgence in domestic production, and effective state institutions. Despite the immense pressure on public finances due to the war, with a significant portion of the state budget dedicated to defense, Ukraine has managed to maintain macro-financial stability through support from the European Union (EU), International Monetary Fund (IMF), and other partners.
Kholostenko further explained that continuous international support, increased private investment, and accelerated reconstruction efforts would provide a robust foundation for Ukraine’s development and post-war recovery. He noted that bilateral economic relations with Nigeria have grown significantly despite the ongoing conflict, with goods trade rising from about 17 million dollars in 2025 to nearly 60 million dollars in the first half of 2026.
On the trade front, Ukraine aims to move beyond predominantly commodity-based trade to establish a broader economic partnership with Nigeria, focusing on agriculture and food security, engineering and agricultural machinery, pharmaceuticals, Information Technology (IT) and digital technologies, energy, and education. Kholostenko stated, “Ukraine, for its part, can offer technologies, products, and practical expertise capable of supporting Nigeria’s economic development.”
In terms of security, Kholostenko highlighted Ukraine’s transition from an aid recipient to a contributor to global security through its expertise in battlefield innovation and unmanned systems. He mentioned that during Ukraine’s Independence Day celebration in Kyiv, nearly 100 Ukrainian-made aerial, ground, and maritime defense systems were presented, showcasing Ukraine’s growing technological capacity.
The ambassador also raised concerns about the effects of the war being felt in Africa, with Russia’s blockade and attacks on Black Sea ports disrupting supply chains and increasing food-price pressures on import-dependent African countries. Additionally, Kholostenko expressed alarm over the alleged recruitment of African citizens by Russia through “deception and false promises” to fight or manufacture drones.
Kholostenko urged African countries to play a greater role in restoring peace based on the UN Charter and welcomed African support for UN resolutions defending sovereignty and territorial integrity. He invited African nations, including Nigeria, to join the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children under the ‘Bring Kids Back UA’ initiative, as Ukraine continues to receive reports of children unlawfully deported or forcibly transferred by Russia.
The ambassador concluded by calling on African countries to support efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war by ensuring humanitarian access to occupied territories and backing accountability mechanisms, emphasizing that “every voice, every diplomatic step, and every practical initiative matters” for Ukraine.