Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, November 6, revealed that he held discussions with President William Ruto on bilateral cooperation and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
In a statement, Zelenskyy said the talks were productive and touched on several issues, including Russia’s continued aggression and the recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in the war.
"I had a productive conversation with the President of Kenya, William 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," the statement read.
Zelenskyy added that both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and implementing ongoing joint projects.
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"We also discussed our bilateral relations and joint projects. Our teams will continue working on them," the statement added.
Zelenskyy further said that his government is preparing to table a resolution at the United Nations this month to condemn Russia’s abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.
He thanked Kenya for standing with Ukraine on this issue.
"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," the statement concluded.
On his part, President Ruto said," I have had a fruitful phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine, and discussed various issues of mutual interest between our two peoples and countries. We expressed concern over young Kenyans who have been illegally recruited to fight in the war in Ukraine, and agreed to raise awareness of the dangers of such ventures. I have requested President Zelensky to facilitate the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody. I am grateful to His Excellency for acceding to my appeal."
Earlier Thursday, Ruro held a conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Ruto enlisted Germany's support in efforts to resolve the ongoing conflicts in Somalia, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral relations and addressing pressing regional security challenges.
The conversation touched on Germany's financial support for Kenya's energy sector, with Merz pledging a 45 million euros facility to expand the country's energy generation capacity.
"Additionally, we discussed the implementation of the bilateral labour agreement that our two countries signed, giving more Kenyans opportunities to work in Germany," he stated.
Ruto revealed that the conversation also delved into the deepening trade and investment connections between Africa and Europe, with both leaders expressing optimism about the upcoming European Union-Africa Summit scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola.
They agreed that the summit would provide a critical platform for strengthening the relationship between the two continents.
Ruto emphasized the urgency of ending the devastating conflicts in Somalia, Sudan, and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, calling on Germany to play a more active role in peacemaking efforts.
"On peace and security in our region, especially in Somalia, Sudan and Eastern DRC, we emphasised the urgency of ending the conflicts and the role Germany can play in this endeavour," he added.
