Tensions between Russia and Ukraine are rising as the two countries exchange sharp statements over allegations of meddling in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
The Russian government on Friday issued a stern warning to the United States, Ukraine and the United Kingdom for sponsoring protests in Nigeria.
Russia said in a statement that countries that interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs and seek to undermine bilateral relations with Russia should rather be condemned.
The warning comes amid growing concerns about foreign influence following protests across Nigeria on October 1.
The protests followed demonstrations on August 1 sparked by dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
Protests in Kano in August led to the arrest of several demonstrators waving Russian flags, raising concerns about foreign interference.
The flag’s presence caused alarm among Nigerians, given Russia’s growing presence in West Africa.
Continuing to express their dissatisfaction, some young people staged another protest in some parts of the country on October 1.
In response, Russian spokesman Yuri Paramonov denied claims by some Western and Ukrainian media that Russia could be behind the violence.
The embassy said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others participated. David Roberts, former director of the British Council in Nigeria; Ukraine’s ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Hvorostenko, also suggested that the presence of the Russian flag at recent protests was evidence of Russian interference.
“We would like to share with you a memo that we wrote to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This memo states that there are rumors that there may be unrest in Nigeria and that the embassies of the United States, United Kingdom and Ukraine are present there. This is what we sent at the end of September. As expected, these claims are all fabrications and create discord between friendly Russian and Nigerian citizens. It turned out to be an attempt.
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken note of widespread media reports regarding the possibility of protests taking place in Nigeria in early October this year.
“The embassy also deplores the fact that some Western and Ukrainian media outlets are attempting to pre-emptively accuse Russia of being involved in or organizing such unrest. .
“In particular, statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, David Roberts, former President of the British Council in Nigeria, and Ivan Hvorostenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, “He further warned that Russia was interfering and that this could happen again in the future,” the statement read in part.
The Russian embassy dismissed the accusations as baseless and reiterated that Russia was not involved in the protests.
In contrast, the embassy pointed to what it called a coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials, accusing them of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs and trying to shift the blame to Russia.
The embassy reaffirmed the strength of relations between Russia and Nigeria and reiterated its support for peaceful dialogue within a legal framework to resolve domestic issues.
The statement further added that Russia firmly supports the leadership and people of Nigeria.
The statement continued: “The embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation has no involvement in the recent protests and has nothing to do with any future demonstrations or riots. I will make a statement,” he added.
“Russia has always respected Nigeria’s sovereignty. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states. In contrast, a coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and media outlets , clearly indicates an attempt to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs and shift responsibility for the consequences to the Russian Federation.
“We attach great importance to the relationship between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within a legal framework as the appropriate means of resolving internal disputes, and reiterate our unwavering support for the leadership and people of Nigeria. express.”
In response to Russia’s warning, Ukraine’s ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Hvorostenko, issued a statement condemning the Russian regime and its actions on the world stage.
Mr. Hhorostenko described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 as an “unprovoked and unjust war of aggression” aimed at completely occupying Ukraine and erasing its national identity.
“Ukraine knows very well what the Russian regime is, and I would like to mention the real facts.
“The truth is that the Russian military commits numerous horrific war crimes and atrocities on Ukrainian territory every day. Russians kill, rape and torture civilians, including women and children.” Horostenko said.
He also accused Russia of deliberately sabotaging international food security by withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and targeting Ukraine’s grain exports.
As evidence of Russia’s disregard for international law, Hhorostenko also pointed to the international criminal law issued against Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2023 for illegally deporting Ukrainian children from occupied territories. A court issued an arrest warrant.
“All these atrocities and war crimes have been and continue to be committed under the Russian flag,” Hhorostenko said, adding that Russia will ensure that these acts are justly punished under international law. I swore I would take it.
Aisha Gambari, press and media specialist at the US Embassy in Abuja, promised to respond to the Russian government’s claims.
At the time of filing this report, she had not yet done so.
Attempts to speak to representatives of the British government were unsuccessful as emails and text messages went unanswered.
