President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of establishing a direct dialogue between Ukraine and the African continent for an objective perception of events in our country and understanding the consequences of Russian aggression. He made the statement on Monday during an interview with African media.
"It is important that we communicate with the leadership of certain countries. It is important that we look each other in the eye. Because it is important to see with your own eyes what is happening here, the consequences of the war. To listen, to hear not by phone, not through the media, not through Lavrov," the President said.
As Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized, it is wrong to receive information about Ukraine through Russia, because it was Russia that attacked our country and unleashed an unprovoked war.
"I would like you to perceive information about Ukraine through yourself. Not even through our official representative offices. If you don't trust some of us, perceive it through yourself, through your journalists," the Head of State said.
The President thanked the representatives of African media for coming to Ukraine to receive objective information directly on the ground. Leading journalists representing key media outlets of seven countries took part in the interview with the Head of State: South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire and Benin. In total, these countries are home to almost 445 million people. In particular, journalists from the City Press (South Africa), the pan-African edition of The Continent, Premium Times (Nigeria), KTN News (Kenya), Media General TV news (Accra, Ghana), La Nouvelle Chaîne Ivoirienne (Côte d'Ivoire), Bip radio (Benin), investigative journalists and civil society activists joined the conversation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also noted the recent visit to Ukraine by a delegation headed by the leaders of five African countries: South Africa, the Union of the Comoros, Senegal, Zambia and Egypt. He emphasized that during this meeting he spoke directly with African leaders about the causes and implications of this war, and they changed their minds about some of the things that are happening in Ukraine.
"Today, your society believes that there is an absolutely unprovoked bloody and unjust war of Russia against the citizens of Ukraine. And it is very important that we communicate," the Head of State noted.
According to Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine and African countries have heard each other on some issues.
He called for expanding the format of such meetings. In particular, he said, the leaders of some other African states are expected to visit our country.
The President of Ukraine also said that he would like to meet with all the leaders of the African continent.
"I want it to be a meeting in any country on the African continent where leaders can come. Because it is important that the societies of your countries see us, hear us, ask us questions, and get answers. Not through the media, but by talking directly, then analyze what is happening. And then find the strength to come to Ukraine and see what is happening here and draw conclusions," the Head of State said.