Ivan Kholostenko, Ukraine's ambassador to Nigeria
The Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, has praised Nigeria for its steadfast support since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, while urging the global community to sustain attention on the ongoing crisis.
Ukraine Thanks Nigeria, Opens Condolence Register for War Victims Amid Rising Civilian Deaths
UN reports over 13,000 civilians killed as Ukrainian envoy accuses Russia of “deliberate terror tactics”.
Speaking at a private ceremony in Abuja on Sunday, the envoy announced the opening of a condolence register to honour victims of recent Russian attacks, which allegedly targeted civilian infrastructure and killed innocent people, including children.
According to UN Human Rights Office data, as of May 31, 2025, at least 13,341 civilians have been killed in the conflict, with thousands more injured. June 2025 recorded the highest monthly civilian casualty toll in three years.
Kholostenko accused Russia of intensifying its strikes in defiance of international calls for a ceasefire, describing the attacks as “a deliberate signal of contempt” from President Vladimir Putin. “The escalation is an attempt to project strength from a position of weakness,” he said, alleging that the Russian military is “weak and demoralised” and that its economy is “near collapse.”
The ambassador also condemned the use of “shameful tactics” such as the “double tap” strike, hitting the same location again after rescuers arrive, as well as the increasing use of cluster munitions to maximise civilian casualties.
Sunday’s ceremony marked the sixth time since April that the Ukrainian Embassy in Abuja has opened a condolence register, providing Nigerian partners, friends of Ukraine, and the international community an opportunity to express solidarity. “We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom,” Kholostenko said, expressing gratitude for Nigeria’s enduring support
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