Kenya takes on Russia over breach of Ukraine’s territorial integrity

Kenya has opposed what it terms as the undermining of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine by Russia during the emergency meeting of the Security Council held on Monday.

Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Martin Kimani said its stand on diplomacy to help end the conflict in Ukraine was not heeded, with the UN Charter's clarion call for peaceful resolution undermined.

He added that this has affected the territorial integrity and political independence of Ukraine.

Ambassador Macharia said Kenya expressed concern following the announcement by the Russian Federation to recognize Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine as independent states.

"We do not deny that there may be serious security concerns in these regions. But they cannot justify the recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states. Not when there were multiple diplomatic tracks available and underway that had the ability to offer peaceful solutions," said Amb. Kimani.

He also accused powerful states, among them members of the Security Council, of breaching international law, further urging the Secretary General to rally members to defend multilateralism.

This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized breakaway rebel regions, which are home to Russia-backed rebels, as independent states, putting an end to the ongoing peace talks.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has at the same time accused Russia of violating its sovereignty.