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Russia, Ukraine trade words over Nigeria’s protests

Hafeestonova — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 07:43:25 +0000

Tension is escalating between Russia and Ukraine, as both countries exchanged sharp statements over allegations of interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.

The Russian Government on Friday issued a stern warning to the United States, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom for accusing it of sponsoring protests in Nigeria.

Russia, in a release, said the countries should rather be blamed for attempting to interfere in Nigeria’s internal affairs and undermine its bilateral relations with Russia.

The warning comes amid growing concerns over foreign influence following the October 1st protests across Nigeria.

The protests followed earlier demonstrations on August 1, which 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 raised an alarm among Nigerians given Russia’s growing presence in West Africa.

In continuation of the expression of their grievances, some youths held another round of protest on October 1 in some parts of the country.

In response, the Russian Press Secretary, Yury Paramonov, rejected claims made by certain Western and Ukrainian media outlets that Russia could be behind the unrest.

According to the embassy, figures such as the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken; a former Director of the British Council in Nigeria, David Roberts; and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, suggested that the presence of Russian flags in recent protests was evidence of Russia’s interference.

“I would like to share with you our note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, which we sent at the end of September when there were rumors of potential unrest in Nigeria, and the embassies of the USA, the UK, and Ukraine were prematurely trying to blame Russia for it. As expected, all these claims turned out to be fabrications and attempts to create discord between the friendly peoples of Russia and Nigeria.

“The Embassy of the Russian Federation in the Federal Republic of Nigeria has taken note of the media reports circulating about possible protests in Nigeria at the beginning of October this year.

“The embassy is also dismayed by the fact that certain Western and Ukrainian media outlets are attempting to preemptively accuse Russia of involvement in, or even organising such unrest.

“In particular, statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference and have further warned that this could happen again in the future,” the statement read in part.

The Russian embassy dismissed the accusations as baseless, reiterating that the country had no involvement in the protests.

In contrast, the embassy pointed to what it described as 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.

The embassy reaffirmed the strength of Russia’s relations with Nigeria and reiterated its support for peaceful dialogue within the legal framework to resolve any internal issues.

Russia, the statement added, stands firmly behind Nigeria’s leadership and its people.

The statement added, “The embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past, nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest.

“Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states. By contrast, the coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets clearly points to their attempts to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.

“We greatly value the relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria.

In response to Russia’s warning, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, issued statement, condemning the Russian regime and its actions on the global stage.

Kholostenko described Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, as an “unprovoked and unjustified aggressive war” aimed at fully occupying Ukraine and erasing its national identity.

“Ukraine knows perfectly well what the Russian regime is. And we would like to refer to the truthful facts.

“The truth is that the Russian army commits awful and numerous war crimes and atrocities in the territory of Ukraine every day. Russians kill, rape and torture civilians, including women and children,” Kholostenko said.

He also accused Russia of deliberately sabotaging international food security by withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and targeting Ukrainian grain exports.

Kholostenko further cited the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Russian President Vladimir Putin, issued in March 2023 for the unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories, as evidence of Russia’s disregard for international law.

“All these atrocities and war crimes have been and still are being committed under Russian flags,” Kholostenko said, vowing that Russia would face just punishment under international law for its actions.

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Nigerian students in Russia face deportation over NIS fail to renew passports

Alice Babalola — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 16:43:01 +0000

Several Nigerian students, including those from Niger State, are on the verge of deportation from Moscow, Russia, due to their inability to renew their international passports.

Reports indicate that the delay is due to a shortage of materials for passport printing.

The affected undergraduates, distressed by the situation, have reached out to their parents, warning them of the potential deportation if their documents are not renewed.

The Nigerian Immigration Service office in Russia has reportedly been unable to process renewals due to these material shortages.

Parent Yakubu Tauheed Bina expressed frustration over the situation, noting that it would cost him over N5 million for his son to return to Nigeria and renew his passport.

Speaking to journalists in Minna, Bina questioned the Nigerian Embassy’s failure to resolve the issue and whether the federal government is adequately funding the embassy.

He urged both Federal and State governments to assist Nigerian students abroad by ensuring prompt passport renewals to prevent deportation and other related issues.

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Russia distances self from flags flown during protest

Alice Babalola — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 18:36:57 +0000

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria has stated that the Russian government had no involvement with the national flags displayed during the nationwide protest.

Recall that individuals were flying Russian flags in Abuja, Kano, and other places.

In a statement released on Monday, the embassy clarified that neither the Russian government nor its officials were connected to the trend of flying national flags during the hunger protest.

The statement reads: “The Embassy has noted the reports in Nigerian media and the circulation of videos and images in digital media depicting protesters in northern states of the country carrying Russian flags and chanting slogans to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“The Government of the Russian Federation as well as any Russian officials are not involved in these activities and do not coordinate them in any way.

“As always, we emphasize that Russia does not interfere in the domestic affairs of foreign states, including Nigeria. These intentions of some protesters to wave Russian flags are personal choices of individuals, and they do not reflect any official position or policy of the Russian Government in the issue.

“We respect Nigerian democracy and believe that peaceful demonstrations in conformity with the Nigerian law are a manifestation of democracy. However, should these events lead to any disruptions or acts of violence we strictly condemn them.”

Reacting, the Nigerian military on Monday declared that individuals displaying Russian flags during the nationwide protests are committing treason and will be “prosecuted.”

Following a National Security Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja on Monday, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa declared, “That is totally unacceptable… that is a treasonable offense, and it will be viewed and treated as such.”

Similarly, the Nigerian Police force said on Monday that it has arrested 31 persons for what it described as treason by producing and distributing Russian flags and calling for Anarchy

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Putin warns NATO of World War III

Hafeestonova — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 09:18:15 +0000

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, says a direct conflict between Russia and NATO would mean that the planet is one step away from World War Three, according to Reuters.

The comments came as Putin claimed a landslide victory in Russia’s presidential election with 87.8 per cent of the votes.

The US, Germany, the UK, and other nations have said the election was neither free nor fair due to the imprisonment of political opponents and censorship.

During his post-election briefing, Putin said, “It is clear to everyone that this will be one step away from a full-scale World War Three. I think hardly anyone is interested in this.”

French President Emmanuel Macron previously stated that he could not rule out the possibility of deploying ground troops in Ukraine.

Responding to questions about Macron’s statements and the risks and possibility of conflict between Russia and NATO, Putin said, “Everything is possible in the modern world.”

Putin added that NATO servicemen were already in Ukraine.

Earlier, Putin stated that Russia was technically ready for nuclear war. He said if the United States sent troops to Ukraine, it would be seen as a significant escalation of the conflict.

In response, French President Macron stated that Putin should not make threats when his country possesses nuclear weapons.

According to the French president, he has not spoken with Putin for several months. Such dialogue was held “when necessary.”

In the United States, in response to Putin’s statements, it was noted that they do not see any plans by Russia to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine.

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Breaking News: Russia to hold presidential elections in occupied Ukraine

Hafeestonova — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 12:50:09 +0000

Russia’s Central Election Commission has approved the forthcoming presidential election to be held in partially occupied Ukrainian regions, according to a report by Interfax on Monday.

Interfax, a Russian news agency, reports that Russia’s Armed Forces and the Federal Security Service have expressed their belief that it is feasible for the voting process to proceed in regions where conflict persists. This statement comes as Russia’s war against Ukraine approaches its two-year mark.

According to Russian law, the CEC may hold elections in areas that are subject to martial law, but only after first conferring with the Defence Ministry and FSB, Moscow Times reports.

The Kremlin has announced the annexation of several regions in Ukraine. The areas affected include Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

“Not only is the electoral system of the four [occupied regions]… in working order, but it’s highly professional,” said deputy CEC chairman Nikolai Bulayev.

President Vladimir Putin intends to seek a fifth term in office.

He is expected to win given the current political landscape in Russia.

The next year’s presidential election is scheduled for March 15–17.

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Nigeria, Russia pledge closer ties

Hafeestonova — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 09:20:31 +0000

President Vladimir Putin of Russia on Thursday pledged closer ties with Nigeria and other African countries, assuring leaders in the continent that the European country was ready to partner with African states to develop their energy, Information Communication, education, and health sectors, among others.

This came as Vice President Kashim Shettima said Nigeria would partner with Russia to revive the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria, particularly by engaging with key stakeholders in the industry.⁣

They both spoke at the ongoing Russia-Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum held at the ongoing Russia-Africa Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

The summit is being attended by several African heads of state including Shettima who represented President Bola Tinubu, and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe.

Shettima is attending the summit with a team of Nigerian delegations.

Other officials at the forum were Nigeria’s Ambassador to Russia, Shehu Abdullahi; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tugar; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Gabriel Aduda; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mary Ogbe, and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Mr Gbenga Komolafe, among others.⁣
“The sooner we get this plant back to production, the better for everyone. We need to walk the talk; the Nigerian people deserve better,” Shettima said at a meeting with the management of Russian Aluminium Company, UC RUSAL, and other stakeholders in the project on the sideline of the summit.

Meanwhile, Putin noted in his opening remarks that the potential for trade and economic cooperation between Russia and African countries was much higher than the trade turnover of $18bn seen in 2022.⁣
He restated his country’s commitment to food security in Africa and beyond, stressing that “Russia will continue to work towards shaping a more equitable global food distribution system.”⁣

The Russian leader added that his country would increase its support for Africa which accounts for 65 percent of the world’s arable land and around 10 per cent of domestic renewable freshwater sources, noting “its huge potential for the further development of agriculture.”⁣

“I would like to emphasise that Russia is sincerely interested in continuing to promote all-round development and deepen trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation with all African countries. I have no doubt that this forum and the thematic meetings, round tables, and talks held within its framework will certainly be useful and will bring us closer to our common goals,” he said in his speech at the event.

The Russian leader also pledged to help Nigeria and other African states to tackle food crisis.

He said, “Our country will continue to support states and regions in need, including with its humanitarian supplies. We are seeking to actively participate in the formation of a more equitable system for the distribution of resources and are doing our utmost to prevent a global food crisis.

“In principle, we are convinced that with the application of appropriate agricultural technologies and the correct organisation of agricultural production, Africa can in the long term not only feed itself and ensure its own food security but also become an exporter of various types of food. And Russia will only support you, I assure you.”

Meanwhile, the State House Director of Information, Office of the Vice President, Olusola Abiola, in a statement later on Thursday titled ‘Reviving ALSCON: VP Shettima meets stakeholders, restates FG’s determination to resuscitate plant’, said Shettima’s sideline meetings at the event were in furtherance of the efforts by the Federal Government to reactivate production lines at ALSCON by re-engaging with UC RUSAL and other partners in the resuscitation of the plant.⁣

Speaking after a presentation by the UC RUSAL management, Shettima noted the enormous benefits for the economy in many aspects, such as in the area of energy transition, and job creation both directly and indirectly, and its impact on the development of small businesses is also huge.⁣

He urged all the stakeholders to expedite work on the plan of action to restart production at the company.⁣

Earlier, Shettima joined other African leaders at the Russia–Africa Economic and Humanitarian Forum declared open by Russian President, Vladimir Putin.⁣

The VP also attended a State banquet hosted by President Putin for the visiting heads of delegation at St. Petersburg’s ExpoForum.⁣

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Russia will never win in Ukraine- President Biden

Hafeestonova — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 10:12:54 +0000

United States President Joe Biden was due to meet eastern European leaders on Wednesday, a day after vowing Russia would never see victory in Ukraine.

Vladimir Putin has said Russia will press on with its nearly year-long war. On Tuesday, he accused the West of escalating the conflict and announced Moscow would suspend participation in the New START nuclear arms treaty with Washington.The Russian president said increasingly stringent sanctions on the country “will not succeed” and vowed his country would keep fighting to “systematically” achieve its aims.

Speaking hours later in the capital of NATO ally Poland, Biden pledged that “Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia — never”.

The 80-year-old leader had a day earlier made a surprise visit to Kyiv, his first since the invasion began and just days before the war’s one-year anniversary.

Surrounded by a flag-waving crowd outside Warsaw’s Royal Castle, Biden responded directly to Putin’s accusations, saying the West “is not plotting to attack Russia”.

He said Putin “thought autocrats like himself were tough” but faced the “iron will” of the United States and its partners.

There should be no doubt: our support for Ukraine will not waver, NATO will not be divided and we will not tire.”

Biden earlier met Polish President Andrzej Duda, saying his visit had come “at a critical moment”.

He also reaffirmed Washington’s “iron-clad” commitment to NATO’s principle of collective defence.

Duda said that thanks to Biden “we can see that America can keep the world order”.

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Fuel depot explodes in southern Russia

Hafeestonova — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 10:14:18 +0000

A fuel depot exploded on Wednesday in southern Russia near Ukraine following a suspected drone attack, Russian authorities said.

No casualties were reported in the alleged attack, which took place some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from the Ukrainian border in the province of Oryol.

“Today (Wednesday) at 04:00 (0100 GMT), a suspected drone blew up a fuel depot in the village of Stalnoi Kon. There were no casualties,” the governor of the Oryol region, Andrei Klytchkov, said in a statement on Telegram.

Since the launch of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, several fuel or ammunition depots in southern Russia have been attacked by drones or helicopters, with the Russian authorities blaming Ukrainian forces.

Most of the attacks occurred against targets only tens of kilometres from the border, which makes Wednesday’s incident stand out for taking place deeper into the Russian territory.

The blast came after Russia fired dozens of missiles at several towns across Ukraine on Tuesday.

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Ukraine: Russian strikes’ death toll rises to 19

Hafeestonova — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 09:42:00 +0000

Ukraine said Tuesday that at least 19 people were killed and more than 100 wounded as a result of Russian strikes across the country a day earlier.

“According to preliminary data, 19 people were killed and 105 more were injured,” Ukraine’s emergency services said on Facebook.

The emergency services previously reported a figure of 14 dead and 97 injured.

Mass retaliatory strikes hit Ukraine nationwide on Monday, after Moscow blamed Kyiv for a blast on a bridge connecting Russia to Crimea, a peninsula Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.

Ukraine said Russian forces had fired more than 80 missiles on cities across the country – including the capital Kyiv – damaging in particular energy facilities.

More than 300 localities were without power across the county following the attacks, the emergency services said.

The emergency services also said Russia on Tuesday morning carried out a strike on Zaporizhzhia, a Ukraine-controlled city in an eponymous region that Moscow claimed to have annexed.

They said 12 S-300 missiles were fired at “civilian” infrastructure, killing one person in the latest of a series of attacks on the city over the past week.

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Breaking News: Multiple explosions rock Ukraine

Hafeestonova — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 07:34:43 +0000

A series of loud explosions rocked Ukraine’s capital Kyiv early Monday morning, a day after Moscow blamed Ukraine for a deadly blast on the bridge linking Crimea to Russia.

The explosions hit Kyiv around 8:15 am local time (0515 GMT), and an AFP journalist in the city saw numerous ambulances appearing to head toward the scene of the blasts.

“Several explosions in the Shevchenkivskyi district – in the centre of the capital,” Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said on social media.

Videos posted on social media showed black smoke rising above several areas in the city.

Russia’s last strike on Kyiv took place on June 26.

The explosions came a day after Moscow blamed Ukraine for the explosion on a bridge linking Crimea to Russia, leaving three people dead.

“The authors, perpetrators and sponsors are the Ukrainian secret services,” Russian President Vladimir Putin said of Saturday’s Crimea bridge bombing, which he described as a “terrorist act”.

Putin was speaking during a meeting with the head of the investigation committee he has set up to look into the bombing, Russian news agencies reported.

The Russian leader is gearing up for a meeting with his Security Council later Monday, the Kremlin told local news agencies.

“Tomorrow the president has a planned meeting with the permanent members of the Security Council,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

The blast that hit the bridge sparked celebrations from Ukrainians and others on social media.

But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nightly address on Saturday, did not directly mention the incident, and officials in Kyiv have made no direct claim of responsibility.

On Saturday, Russia said some road and rail traffic had resumed over the strategic link, a symbol of the Kremlin’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.

The 19-kilometre (12-mile) bridge is a vital supply link between Russia and the annexed Crimean peninsula.

Some military analysts argue that the blast could have a major impact if Moscow sees the need to shift already hard-pressed troops to Crimea from other regions — or if it prompts a rush by residents to leave.

Mick Ryan, a retired Australian senior officer now with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, said that even if Kyiv was not behind the blast, it constituted “a massive influence operation win for Ukraine.

“It is a demonstration to Russians, and the rest of the world, that Russia’s military cannot protect any of the provinces it recently annexed,” he said on Twitter.

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