Ruto Dodges Ukraine Stance in CNN Interview
President William Ruto declined to comment on the Russian invasion of Ukraine during a live interview with CNN anchor Fareed Zakaria on Sunday, July 2, 2023.
Ruto was cognizant of the strained relations between the two countries as the war escalated to a mutiny in the Russian army.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s opposition to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has resulted in the loss of life and property and caused a global economic crisis.
Ruto asserts that Kenya and other African nations found a way to live in peace following colonization. By the United Nations Charter, Russia, and Ukraine must also respect their respective borders.
As our ambassador stated, there are communities on both sides of our continent’s borders, and redrawing them would present a formidable challenge.
Regarding the Ukraine conflict, he explained, “As people who respect the United Nations Charter and believe in resolving conflicts through peaceful means, we employ such methods.”
Fareed pressed Ruto, however, to clarify whether his remarks contradicted a previous statement from the Kenyan government condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We condemn all warfare. He advocated for peaceful resolutions to restore amicable relations between the two countries, which enjoy good diplomatic relations with Kenya while defending Kenya’s participation in international peacekeeping operations.
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Unsatisfied with Ruto’s response, the veteran CNN journalist stated that the President was providing evasive responses.
Thus, it was unclear whether he was condemning the conflict in its entirety or whether he considered Ukraine’s self-defense to also constitute war.
Ruto’s response to Ukraine’s decision to arm itself in defense of its homeland lacked clarity.
“In a situation of war, once a decision is made, war is war. Ruto explained that “anything can happen in war” without stating whether Kenya supported Ukraine’s right to self-defense.
Kenya was one of the first nations to condemn Russia on February 22, 2022, for what it termed the dangers of clinging to the remnants of an empire.
“Kenya rejects the pursuit of such a desire by force. Kenya expressed its concern and opposition to the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states through its former ambassador to the United Nations, Martin Kimani.
The Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alfred Mutua, wished Russia well on Saturday, June 24, after the Wagner mercenary group staged a coup against President Vladimir Putin.
“I have informed Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of our concern and desire. “He has updated me on the situation and assured me that the Russian government is in charge and that everything will be fine,” CS Mutua revealed in a statement dated June 24.
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The mutiny, led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, commander of the Wagner, was precipitated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As a result, Kenya’s diplomatic policy was scrutinized, and some critics accused it of doublespeak.
President Ruto emphasized Kenya’s democratic maturity during the 9 August 2022 General Election during his interview with CNN.
He emphasized that the nation maintained peace during a turbulent time and accepted the Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld his victory.
Fareed had asked him to describe how he defeated his successor Uhuru Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga, who had teamed up to oppose his first presidential bid.
Ruto Dodges Ukraine Stance in CNN Interview
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