Russia denies Interference in Nigeria protests, blasts Ukraine, US
October 05, 2024
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated, with both nations exchanging sharp statements regarding alleged interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
The Russian Government issued a stern warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of attempting to undermine Russia’s bilateral relations with Nigeria.
The warning follows growing concerns over foreign influence after protests erupted across Nigeria on October 1.
These protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
During the August protests in Kano, several protesters were arrested after waving Russian flags, raising concerns of foreign interference.
The presence of the flags alarmed Nigerians, given Russia’s growing presence in West Africa.
In response, Russian Press Secretary Yury Paramonov rejected claims made by Western and Ukrainian media outlets that Russia was behind the unrest.
Paramonov cited statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko, accusing them of baselessly suggesting Russia’s interference.
The Russian embassy dismissed the accusations, reiterating Russia’s non-interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and support for peaceful dialogue. In contrast, the embassy pointed to a coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials, accusing them of attempting to meddle in Nigeria’s internal matters and shift blame onto Russia.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, responded by condemning Russia’s actions on the global stage, describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an “unprovoked and unjustified aggressive war.” Kholostenko accused Russia of committing war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine and deliberately sabotaging international food security.
The US Embassy in Abuja promised to respond to Russia’s claims.0
Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated, with both nations exchanging sharp statements regarding alleged interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs. The Russian government issued a stern warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, accusing them of attempting to undermine Russia’s bilateral relations with Nigeria.
The warning follows growing concerns over foreign influence after protests erupted across Nigeria on October 1. These protests were sparked by dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies and the devaluation of the naira.
During the August protests in Kano, several protesters were arrested after waving Russian flags, raising concerns of foreign interference. The presence of the flags alarmed Nigerians, given Russia’s growing presence in West Africa.
In response, Russian Press Secretary Yury Paramonov rejected claims made by Western and Ukrainian media outlets that Russia was behind the unrest. Paramonov cited statements by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko, accusing them of baselessly suggesting Russia’s interference.
The Russian embassy dismissed the accusations, reiterating Russia’s non-interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and support for peaceful dialogue. In contrast, the embassy pointed to a coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials, accusing them of attempting to meddle in Nigeria’s internal matters and shift blame onto Russia.
Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, responded by condemning Russia’s actions on the global stage, describing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as an “unprovoked and unjustified aggressive war.” Kholostenko accused Russia of committing war crimes and atrocities in Ukraine and deliberately sabotaging international food security.
The US Embassy in Abuja promised to respond to Russia’s claims.