Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, November 6, held a phone conversation with President William Ruto, focusing on bilateral cooperation and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
In a statement, Zelenskyy described the discussions as productive, noting that the two leaders explored areas of mutual interest while addressing Russia’s continued aggression and the recruitment of foreign nationals into 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,” Zelenskyy said.
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“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,” he added.
The Ukrainian leader said both countries reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and implementing existing joint projects, with teams from both sides expected to continue engagement.
Zelenskyy also revealed that Ukraine plans to submit a resolution at the United Nations this month condemning Russia’s illegal abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children. He thanked Kenya for supporting Ukraine on the matter.
“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,” he stated.
On his part, President William Ruto confirmed the discussion, emphasizing Kenya’s concern over the illegal recruitment of young Kenyans to fight in the Ukraine conflict.
“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,” Ruto said.
He added that he had requested Zelenskyy’s assistance in facilitating the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody, a request the Ukrainian leader reportedly accepted.
Earlier Thursday, President Ruto also held a separate conversation with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, focusing on regional security and development cooperation.
The two leaders discussed Germany’s support for Kenya’s energy sector, with Merz pledging a €45 million facility to expand Kenya’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,” Ruto said.
Their talks also covered efforts to strengthen Africa-Europe trade ties ahead of the upcoming EU-Africa Summit in Luanda, Angola.
Ruto urged Germany to play a more active role in efforts to end ongoing conflicts in Somalia, Sudan, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, stressing the need for peace and stability in the region.