MFA Reacts to Niger’s Decision to Break Diplomatic Relations with Ukraine

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has condemned the decision of the Republic of Niger to break off diplomatic relations. In a statement, the ministry described the move as a “gesture of 'solidarity' with those who chose the path of rapprochement with the Russian Federation.”

“Ukraine took into account the decision of the authorities of the Republic of Niger on August 6, 2024 to break diplomatic relations with Ukraine. The accusations against Ukraine made in the statement of the representative of the government of this country do not stand up to any criticism, are groundless and untrue,” the statement reads.

Ukraine has categorically rejected accusations of supporting international terrorism or violating the UN Charter. “We proceed from the fact that such a decision is a gesture of 'solidarity' with those who chose the path of rapprochement with the terrorist state, the Russian Federation, which has been waging an unprovoked full-scale aggressive war against Ukraine for more than two years,” the Ministry stated.

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed regret that Niger decided to sever diplomatic relations without conducting a proper investigation into the alleged incident in Mali and without providing any evidence to support its claims.

“Ukraine is sincerely determined to continue to build mutually beneficial relations with all African states on the basis of equality, non-interference in internal affairs, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries within internationally recognized borders, strict adherence to international law, the Goals and Principles of the UN Charter,” the statement concluded.

Niger’s decision follows a similar move by Mali earlier this week.