Abuja: Mr Ivan Kholostenko, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, has lauded the Federal Government’s support since the Russian-Ukrainian war began on Feb. 24, 2022.
He urged continued international attention on the crisis. The envoy spoke on Sunday in Abuja at a private ceremony to open a condolence register for war victims.
The register followed recent alleged Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure, which allegedly killed innocent people, including children.
It was the sixth time since April that the Ukrainian Embassy opened a condolence register to allow friends of Ukraine to show solidarity.
Kholostenko said Ukrainians were deeply grateful to Nigerians for their support.
“We know that Nigerians, like Ukrainians, understand the value of freedom,” he said.
Explaining the decision, the ambassador said it was part of a disturbing pattern and not an isolated act.
The Embassy opened the register to allow Nigerian partners, friends, and the international community to express solidarity with Ukraine.
“We opened this condolence register to honour the memory of innocent victims of yet another massive act of Russian terror against Ukraine.
“The enemy deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, causing destruction and killing peaceful people, including children.
“Since April, the Embassy has opened such a register six times in response to large-scale civilian casualties and attacks on both our state and shared humanity.
“The latest opening comes as UN data shows alarming civilian casualties. As of May 31 2025, 13,341 civilian deaths were reported by the UN Human Rights Office due to Russia’s invasion since 2022.
“The UN has also documented thousands more injured civilians, with June 2025 recording the highest monthly toll in three years,” he said.
The envoy accused Russia of employing “shameful tactics” to maximise civilian deaths.
