Gambiaj.com – (ANKARA, Türkiye) – Ukraine has expressed deep appreciation for The Gambia’s decision to appoint its ambassador to Türkiye, rather than to Russia, as the non-resident ambassador to Ukraine — a move hailed as a symbolic and principled gesture of support amid the ongoing Russian invasion.

Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha made the remarks on Friday following a bilateral meeting with Gambian Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara. In a statement posted to social media platform X, Sybiha thanked The Gambia for “its support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” underscoring the significance of Banjul’s choice in diplomatic representation.

“It is about common principles,” Sybiha wrote. “I appreciate the decision to appoint Gambia’s ambassador to Türkiye, instead of its ambassador to Russia, as non-resident ambassador to Ukraine. This is a sign of respect.”

The decision is seen in Kyiv as a meaningful diplomatic signal at a time when Ukraine continues to seek broader international backing, especially from African nations, as it defends itself against Russia’s full-scale invasion launched in 2022.

Sybiha also held meetings with foreign ministers from other African countries, during which he emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to a “just peace” and urged African governments to adopt clear positions on the war based on respect for international law and national sovereignty.

“Russia’s war against Ukraine has had serious consequences for Africa, such as food insecurity and regional instability,” Sybiha said. “This is why achieving a fair peace for Ukraine benefits our African partners as well.”

He also reaffirmed Ukraine’s intention to strengthen cooperation with the African Union and deepen bilateral ties with individual states, including Benin, in sectors such as food security and regional stability.

Kyiv has increasingly turned to African nations as part of its global diplomatic outreach, seeking not only solidarity at the United Nations but also practical partnerships that can help mitigate the global ripple effects of the war — especially disruptions in grain exports that have hit African countries hard.