Nairobi

President William Ruto has restated Kenya’s position on the Russia-Ukraine war, calling for diplomacy and dialogue as the only viable route to peace.

Speaking at State House on Tuesday after bidding farewell to Ukraine’s outgoing ambassador to Kenya, Andril Pravednyk, the president underscored the importance of respecting international law.

“Our position on the war has been clear: We strongly believe in the UN Charter, and especially in national sovereignty and territorial integrity. In addition, it is our firm view that dialogue, not war, is the path to peace and an end to hostilities,” Mr Ruto said.

The remarks come as the conflict, now in its fourth year, continues to unsettle global markets. Kenya, heavily reliant on grain and fertiliser imports from Ukraine, has felt the impact through disrupted supply chains. At the same time, Kenyan exports of tea, coffee, flowers, and vegetables have been part of long-standing trade ties between the two nations.

Mr Ruto also used the occasion to reflect on Kenya’s diplomatic history with Ukraine, noting that relations stretch back more than three decades. He described the partnership as one that has consistently supported both countries’ economic and political interests.

The president avoided taking sides in the conflict but acknowledged the war’s broad repercussions. He noted that the fallout from Russia’s invasion in 2022 has reached far beyond Europe, affecting food and fuel security across Africa.

This is not the first time Mr Ruto has addressed the war. In June last year, speaking at a peace summit in Switzerland, he criticised Russia’s invasion as unlawful and urged both parties to soften their positions to allow genuine negotiations.

His latest remarks underline Kenya’s careful balancing act: upholding international principles of sovereignty while pressing for dialogue over confrontation.