In a candid interview with Ghana's top digital news outlet, YEN.com.gh, on June 28, 2022, President Zelenskyy's right-hand man and head of the president's office, Andriy Yermak, explained the advantages Africa stands to gain by backing Ukraine and its administration in the current battle with Russia.
The interview, which aimed to promote bilateral ties with African nations, covered the war's present effects on the continent and how Africa's assistance may significantly speed up the restoration of food supplies to put an end to the region's catastrophic food problems.
Mr. Yermak compared Ukraine's campaign for independence from Russia to Africa's struggle against European colonialism, noting that while Africa may believe she is free, Russia's onslaught and colonisation intentions will make her feel otherwise.
We continue to struggle for our freedom and the ability to live as we like in our country. When Ukraine chose to exercise its right to self-determination, Ghana and Nigeria had been independent for more than 30 years. Over 30 years longer, Ukraine's resources, including metals, grain, gas, and oil, were sucked out (under the USSR our oil fields were almost depleted). Knowing this, it is impossible not to chuckle when someone claims that Russia and NATO are at war in Ukraine.
According to Mr. Yermak, Russia has deliberately established a blockade on Ukrainian ports in the Black and Azov seas to obstruct the shipment of food from Ukraine. Global food costs are already rising as a result of this, especially considering that Ukraine has historically been one of the major suppliers of various items including corn, wheat, sunflower oil, and others.
"Russia alone is to responsible for the market issues worldwide.... Russia has been taking food from the regions it occupies and trying to smuggle it out. Additionally, it has been impeding grain shipment by blocking Ukrainian ports. Traditionally, all of the food that Ukraine used to export to Africa passed via our ports. Any alternate approach would be significantly more challenging, time-consuming, and costly. Finally, Russia has begun attacking our grain terminals with rockets. Not only is there non-market competition here. Food destruction and access restrictions are crimes against humanity. Additionally, Russia not only prevents the export of our grain but also places restrictions on its own export.