Tensions are rising between Russia and Ukraine, with both nations exchanging angry words over suspicions of intervention in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
On Friday, the Russian government issued a harsh warning to the US, Ukraine, and the UK for accusing it of financing protests in Nigeria.
Russia, in a statement, said the countries should be condemned for attempting to intervene in Nigeria’s domestic affairs and weaken bilateral relations with Russia.
The warning comes amid increased fears over foreign influence following Nigeria’s October 1st protests.
The protests came after earlier demonstrations on August 1, which were spurred by displeasure with President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, which included the withdrawal of gasoline and energy subsidies as well as the depreciation of the naira.
Several protestors in Kano were jailed after waving Russian flags, prompting fears about foreign meddling.
The sight of the flags alarmed Nigerians, given Russia’s rising role in West Africa.
On October 1, several youths launched another round of protests in various parts of the country to continue expressing their frustrations.
In response, Russian Press Secretary Yury Paramonov denied allegations made by certain Western and Ukrainian media sources that Russia was directing the upheaval.
According to the embassy, figures such as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have suggested that the presence of Russian flags in recent protests is evidence of Russian 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 rumours 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 denounced the claims as false, emphasising that the country had no role in the protests. In contrast, the embassy cited what it described as a planned media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials, accusing them of attempting to influence Nigerian internal affairs and transfer the blame to Russia.
The embassy underlined Russia’s strong relations with Nigeria and repeated its commitment to peaceful engagement within the legal framework to resolve any domestic issues.
According to the statement, Russia strongly supports Nigeria’s leadership and 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 reaction to Russia’s warning, Ivan Kholostenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Nigeria, issued a statement criticising the Russian regime and its actions on a worldwide scale.
Kholostenko referred to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, as an “unprovoked and unjustified aggressive war” intended at completely occupying Ukraine and eliminating its national character.
“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 intentionally undermining international food security by withdrawing from the Black Sea Grain Initiative and targeting Ukrainian grain shipments.
Kholostenko also referenced the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin, issued in March 2023 for illegally deporting Ukrainian children from occupied territory, as evidence of Russia’s disrespect 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.
Aishah Gambari, Press and Media Specialist at the US Embassy in Abuja, has committed to replying to the Russian government’s assertions.
She had not done so as of the time of filing this report. Attempts to speak with a representative of the UK government were unsuccessful because emails and text messages were not returned.