Protests: US, UK, Ukraine Trying To Destroy Our Relationship With Nigeria – Russia

The Russian government has refuted claims of involvement in the October 1st hunger protests in Nigeria, alleging that Western countries are attempting to strain its relationship with Nigeria by associating it with the unrest.

In a letter addressed to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made available by Press Secretary of the Russian embassy in Nigeria, Yury Paramonov, the Russian government distanced itself from the protests.

The statement emphasized that Russia has no connection to the demonstrations despite images of protesters waving Russian flags and chanting during the event.

Russia has been accused of political interference in several West African nations, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, prompting concerns about its influence in the region.

However, Moscow insists that the United States, the UK, and Ukraine are falsely linking Russia to the Nigerian protests in a bid to damage the strong diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Russia further accused Western countries and Ukraine of engaging in a coordinated media campaign to interfere in Nigeria’s domestic matters while attempting to shift blame to Russia for any unrest.

The letter partly read, “In particular, statements by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, former Director of the British Council in Nigeria David Roberts, and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria Ivan Kholostenko have shamelessly and baselessly suggested that the use of Russian flags during recent protests is evidence of Russia’s interference and have further warned that this could happen again in the future.

“The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and reiterates that the Russian Federation neither had any involvement in the protests that occurred in the recent past, nor does it have any connection to any potential future demonstrations or unrest.

“Russia has always respected the sovereignty of Nigeria. We strictly adhere to the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of independent states.

“By contrast, the coordinated media campaign by Western and Ukrainian officials and outlets clearly points to their attempts to meddle in Nigeria’s internal affairs and shift the blame for any consequences onto the Russian Federation.

“We greatly value the level of relations between our two countries, support only peaceful dialogue within the legal framework as the proper means to resolve any internal disputes, and once again express our unwavering support for the leadership and the people of Nigeria.”

Additionally, the Russian Embassy relayed President Vladimir Putin’s congratulatory message to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigeria’s National Day, offering best wishes for the country’s prosperity and stability, while hoping for continued cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.