Ukraine Accuses Russia of Intensifying Disinformation Campaigns in Africa

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accused Russia of escalating a coordinated disinformation campaign aimed at undermining Kyiv’s relations with African nations.

In a statement issued this week, the ministry said Russian officials, media outlets, and bloggers linked to Moscow have been spreading unfounded allegations that Ukraine is supplying weapons to illegal armed groups, interfering in African state sovereignty, and plotting regional destabilization.

“These are complete fabrications,” the ministry declared, stressing that Russia has deployed “its full arsenal of propaganda tools” — including media accusations, bot-driven disinformation on social platforms, forged documents, and other falsified content.

Ukraine dismissed the allegations as baseless, highlighting its efforts to deepen ties with African states through diplomacy and cooperation.

Officials noted that Kyiv has nearly doubled its diplomatic presence on the continent and has advanced partnerships in agriculture, energy, education, technology, and digitalization.

The ministry also cited President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s “Grain from Ukraine” humanitarian initiative as a concrete example of Kyiv’s commitment to African food security, while reiterating support for African Union initiatives and broader African representation at the United Nations Security Council.

“It is telling that Russia accuses Ukraine of the very actions it undertakes itself,” the statement read, alleging that Moscow deploys mercenaries and private military contractors across Africa to support unconstitutional regimes, extract natural resources, and fuel instability.

Kyiv condemned what it described as Russia’s attempt to “export its war and confrontation” to Africa, urging governments across the continent to resist being drawn into great-power rivalries.

“Ukraine is committed to building bilateral relations with its African partners free from third-party interference,” the ministry said. “Moscow’s intensification of disinformation is an attempt to obstruct the growing momentum of Ukraine-Africa relations.”

Ukraine affirmed its commitment to strengthening peace, stability, and prosperity across Africa, while thanking nations on the continent for their support of Kyiv’s efforts to restore peace in the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion.