President Zelenskyy holds talks with Ruto over Russia-Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday held talks with President William Ruto on the Russia-Ukraine war.

President Zelenskyy said he briefed Ruto on recent Russian attacks targeting civilians and critical infrastructure in Ukraine. 

He expressed gratitude for Kenya’s continued solidarity, noting that he is grateful for his warm words of support.

The two leaders also discussed reports that Russia has been recruiting foreign citizens to join its military campaign.

Zelenskyy described the recruitment as fraudulent and criminal, adding that Ukraine and Kenya would work more closely to put an end to them.

“I had a productive conversation with the President of Kenya, William Samoei Ruto. I informed him about Russia’s attacks on people and infrastructure, and I am grateful for his warm words of support. We touched upon the issue of Russia’s recruitment of foreign citizens into its criminal war. We are aware of all the fraudulent methods being used and will work more closely to put an end to them,” he said.

The conversation extended to bilateral cooperation, with both sides agreeing that their teams will continue advancing joint development projects.

Zelenskyy highlighted that special focus was placed on the plight of Ukrainian children who have been forcibly taken to Russia since the war began.

“We paid special attention to the issue of Ukrainian children. This month, at the United Nations, Ukraine will submit a resolution condemning Russia’s illegal abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. I am grateful that we can count on Kenya’s support,” Zelenskyy said.

This comes as the two countries continue to strengthen diplomatic engagement with African nations, seeking broader global backing in the war that has entered its third year.

On his part, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, said the two Presidents held a meaningful conversation that marks a powerful step forward in the development of Ukraine-Kenya relations.

"We see real understanding and goodwill on both sides - especially in confronting Russia’s fraudulent recruitment and building new areas of cooperation. Both countries are working on several fundamental agreements, particularly in economic cooperation and development, and share a clear view that Moscow’s deceptive practices across Africa are not only a moral issue but a threat to our mutual security," the Ambassador said.

"The dialogue opens the door to deeper political and economic partnership between our nations."