Ruto Declares Kenya’s Stance on Russia-Ukraine War

President William Ruto has called for diplomacy to address the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, noting that it is the only solution to ending the stalemate.
Speaking on Tuesday afternoon, moments after bidding farewell tothe Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Andril Pravednyk, the Head of State underscored the need for the implementation of the United Nations Charter on national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Ruto, who explicitly avoided taking sides on the matter, noted that diplomacy through dialogue and negotiation was the only path to peace and an end to hostilities.
“Our position on the war has been clear: We strongly believe in the UN Charter, and especially in national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, it is our firm view that dialogue, not war, is the path to peace and an end to hostilities,” Ruto said.
During his meeting with the outgoing Ukrainian diplomat, the Head of State acknowledged the deep-rooteddiplomatic ties between Kenya and Ukraine.
According to him, diplomatic relations between Kenya and Ukraine date back more than 30 years, cementing cooperation between the two countries in various areas.
In his speech, he revealed that Kenya has in recent years benefited from trade in grains, especially wheat and maize, and fertilisers from Ukraine. On the flip side, Kenya exports tea, coffee, flowers, and cabbage.
Nonetheless, the President did not hesitate to admit the immense impact of the war between the two nations, which is currently in its fourth year.
While commenting on the matter during the State House meeting, Ruto revealed that the war has been felt far and wide, especially in the disruption of supply chains for grains, fuel, and fertilisers.
Ruto’s remarks come against the backdrop of theongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, which began in 2022 after Russia’s invasion and attempts to annexe regions it considers historically tied to the former Soviet Union.
However, it is not the first time the President has expressed his stand on the war. In June last year, Ruto hit out at Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, terming it unlawful, unjust and against international law.
Addressing delegates in Switzerland, he said it was time for parties involved in the conflict to demonstrate good faith and soften their positions for lasting peace to be realised.