Ukraine vows long fight to counter Russia's 'grip' on Africa

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. PHOTO | AFP

Photo credit: File | AFP

Ukraine will make "long-term" efforts to deepen ties with African countries as it seeks to counter Russia's influence on the continent, Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba told AFP this week.

Moscow has longstanding partnerships with several African countries but stepped up efforts to cement ties on the continent since becoming isolated from the West over its invasion of Ukraine.