Ruto dodges question on Russia Ukraine war during CNN interview
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Ruto put on spot during CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria on change on diplomatic stance on Russia Ukraine war
Ruto put on spot during CNN interview with Fareed Zakaria on change on diplomatic stance on Russia Ukraine war.
In response to a question from CNN anchor Fareed Zakaria during a live interview on Sunday, July 2, 2023, President William Ruto chose not to express his opinion on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ruto was aware of the deteriorating relations between the two nations as the conflict reached the point of a mutiny in the Russian army.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s opposition to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has cost lives and property and sparked a financial crisis around the world.
After colonization, Kenya and other African nations allegedly discovered a peaceful way to coexist. Therefore, in accordance with the United Nations charter, Russia and Ukraine must likewise respect their national borders.
“As our ambassador said, we have in our continent communities on either side of our borders, and if we were to redraw, there would be a huge challenge on our hands.
“As people who respect the United Nations charter and believe in settling even when we have issues, we use peaceful means,” he explained on the Ukraine conflict.
Fareed, however, hard-pressed Ruto to clarify whether his sentiments contrasted an earlier statement from the Kenyan government condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We condemn war everywhere. We have been participating in peacekeeping worldwide,” he defended Kenya while advocating for peaceful resolutions to restore amicable relations between the two countries, which enjoy good diplomatic relations with Kenya.
Unsatisfied with Ruto’s answer, the seasoned CNN journalist expressed that the President was playing cagey with his responses. It was thus unclear whether he was condemning the conflict in totality or perceiving that Ukraine defending itself could also be perceived as war.
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Ruto’s answer on Ukraine’s decision to take up arms to defend its homeland still lacked clarity.
“When a determination is made, in a situation of war, war is war. Everything happens in war,” Ruto explained without giving a distinct answer if Kenya supported Ukraine’s right of self-defence.
On February 22, 2022, Kenya became one of the first countries in the world to condemn Russia for what it termed as perils of clinging to the vestiges of an empire.
“Kenya rejects such a yearning from being pursued by force. Kenya registers its strong concern and opposition to the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states,” Kenya stated then through former Kenyan U.N. Ambassador Martin Kimani.
However, on Saturday, June 24, Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Alfred Mutua, wished Russia well after the Wagner mercenary group staged a mutiny against President Vladimir Putin.
“I have told the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergey Lavrov of our concern and wish. He has updated me on the situation and informed me that the Russian government is in control and everything will be fine,” CS Mutua divulged in a statement dated Saturday, June 24.
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