Russian Envoy Refutes Claims of Recruiting Nigerians Regarding the conflict in Ukraine
Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, has refuted claims of recruiting Nigerians for the Ukraine war, asserting that any such activities are unlawful and not supported by the state.
The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podyelyshev, has refuted claims suggesting that Nigerians are being enlisted to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, labeling the allegations as misleading and unrelated to the Russian government.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the ambassador stated that there is no government-sponsored program involving Nigerian citizens in the conflict, emphasizing that any such actions would be unlawful.
“If certain illegal individuals are attempting to recruit Nigerians to fight in Ukraine, this is not associated with the Russian state,” Podyelyshev stated, noting that Moscow would pass any credible information to Russian law enforcement authorities for investigation.
He clarified that formal military interactions between Russia and Nigeria are regulated exclusively by bilateral agreements, especially concerning military-technical cooperation, which encompasses training and potential equipment provision.
Podyelyshev characterized Nigeria as a key partner for Russia in Africa, emphasizing that the relationship with Abuja plays a crucial role in shaping Moscow’s involvement in West Africa.
The comments were delivered during a diplomatic briefing called “Russia in a Multipolar World Order: African Perspective,” organized to commemorate Russia’s Diplomatic Service Day.
The ambassador reiterated Russia’s dedication to a multipolar global system founded on international law, sovereign equality, and non-interference, while advocating for reforms in global institutions, particularly emphasizing the need for increased African representation on the UN Security Council.
Nigeria is described as a strategic partner, with an emphasis on the increasing collaboration in areas such as defence, education, energy, healthcare, and security. Additionally, there are plans for establishing a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology and expanding scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students in Russia.
