Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, explains to TheNiche why his country will not stop fighting in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ukrainian blue-yellow flag bearing the the signatures of their heroes, soldiers of the 4th Battalion of the Slovozhansk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, who defended Kharkiv from Russian invaders
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Ukrainian ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, has explained why it is not plausible for his country to stop fighting in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Ambassador Kholostenko said as much as Ukraine craves for peace more than anyone else, to stop fighting will be catastrophic for his beleaguered country.
Kholostenko, who said this in an exclusive chat with TheNiche in commemoration of the 2024 Ukrainian Armed Forces Day, reiterated that unlike Russia, Ukraine is only fighting for survival.
On the clamour for peace and the prospects for a ceasefire, the envoy said, “Ukraine’s position on peace remains firm. Ukraine desires peace more than anyone does. Ukraine did not start this war and never wanted it. If Russia stops fighting – there will be peace. If Ukraine stops fighting – Ukraine will cease to exist.”
He said for any peace to be meaningful, it must be lasting and just. “Ukraine is ready to seek diplomatic solutions, but only on the condition of full adherence to the United Nations Charter. Additionally, Ukraine requests effective and reliable security guarantees from international partners to prevent future aggression.”
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Explaining the significance of the Armed Forces Day which was held last Friday, the Ukrainian envoy said it was a day set aside to honour gallant Ukrainian soldiers that are making unimaginable sacrifice and some paying the ultimate price in defending their country against aggression from a bullying neigbour – Russia.
“Every year on December 6, Ukraine commemorates Armed Forces Day, honouring the brave defenders who protect their homeland from Russian aggression. These heroes safeguard not only Ukraine but also the broader world,” he said.
“By unleashing an unprovoked and brutal war against Ukraine, Russia is using hunger as a way to put pressure on the world. The courage of the Ukrainian defenders allows Ukraine to fulfill its role as a guarantor of global food security and produce grain. This grain is delivered to the countries of Africa and Asia, which have felt the consequences of Russia’s aggression the most.
“On this day, we express our deepest gratitude to all those who defend the freedom and future of our country, ensuring peace and security for millions around the globe. The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria commemorates the heroes with an exhibition. Faces of men and women who risk everything for their homeland and peace around the globe are looking from the pictures of the exhibition.
“The main and most important element of the composition is the Ukrainian flag. The blue-yellow flag bears the imprint of heroism and love for the Motherland – the signatures of the Heroes, soldiers of the 4th Battalion of the Slovozhansk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine, who defended Kharkiv from invaders.
“The battle for Kharkiv became an example of heroism and self-sacrifice, when Ukrainian soldiers rebuffed the superior forces of the aggressor, preventing them from turning the city into a monument of repression and cruelty. The flag has travelled all the way to Nigeria to serve as a symbol of courage and love for the motherland,” Ambassador Kholostenko concluded.
