ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Ukraine has engaged the African Union on the wider security implications of its ongoing war with Russia, including food insecurity, the recruitment of African youths into the conflict and opportunities for cooperation in peacebuilding and post-war reconstruction.
The discussions took place on 2 November 2026 in Addis Ababa, where Liubov Abravitova, Director-General for Africa and African Regional Organisations at Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, met Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.
According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Ethiopia, the meeting covered several multilateral security concerns, with particular attention given to how the war in Ukraine is affecting stability and security across the African continent.
Ukraine raised concerns about the consequences of the conflict for African food security, pointing to the wider challenges created by the war for countries already grappling with food supply pressures and economic vulnerabilities.
The Ukrainian delegation also drew attention to what it described as the recruitment and exploitation of young Africans by Russia for military operations in Ukraine.
Kyiv characterised the practice as predatory recruitment, alleging that African nationals were being enlisted as mercenaries and exposed to dangerous battlefield conditions.
The issue adds another dimension to discussions about the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Africa, particularly concerns surrounding foreign recruitment networks and the involvement of African nationals in overseas conflicts.
Abravitova and Adeoye also exchanged views on international diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The discussions included the potential contribution of African countries to diplomatic efforts, with Ukraine recognising the continent’s role in international peace processes.
Beyond the immediate conflict, the meeting explored opportunities for cooperation and the exchange of expertise in humanitarian demining, post-conflict reconstruction and strengthening institutional resilience.
These areas were identified as potential fields in which Ukraine and African institutions could share experience, particularly in addressing the humanitarian and institutional consequences of armed conflict.
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