Ruto and Zelenskyy Strike New Cooperation Deal as Kenya Deepens Ukraine Ties at G7 Summit
President William Ruto and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy have agreed to expand cooperation between Kenya and Ukraine in a move that could unlock new opportunities in agriculture, education, technology, and investment.
The two leaders met on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Évian, France, on Tuesday, June 17, with President Ruto standing out as the only African Head of State invited to participate in the high-level gathering of world leaders.
Their discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and identifying practical areas where the two nations can work together, particularly in agriculture, education, high-tech innovation, and investment promotion.
Following the meeting, President Zelenskyy revealed that both countries had agreed to pursue joint projects and tasked their respective teams with developing concrete proposals.
“During a meeting with the President of Kenya, William Ruto, we discussed the development of high-tech cooperation across various sectors: investment attraction, agriculture, and education,” Zelenskyy said.
“We are ready to share our experience with Kenya and implement joint projects. We agreed that our teams will work out the details of possible cooperation.”
The latest agreement builds on an already growing relationship between Nairobi and Kyiv, which has gained momentum despite the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Kenya and Ukraine have signed agreements worth approximately KSh2 billion (USD15 million) across various sectors. Among the most notable projects is a planned Ukrainian grain hub at the Port of Mombasa, a strategic initiative expected to strengthen food security in Kenya and across the wider East African region.
The partnership extends beyond food and trade. The two countries have also signed a Memorandum of Understanding between their respective space agencies, paving the way for cooperation in peaceful outer space exploration and scientific research.
In the aviation sector, both governments have agreed to collaborate on air safety oversight, while business communities from the two nations have established formal links through agreements connecting Kenya’s Private Sector Alliance and the East African Chamber of Commerce with Ukraine’s Council of Exporters and Investors.
The meeting also highlighted Kenya’s diplomatic support for Ukraine on the global stage.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kenya has consistently backed resolutions at the United Nations General Assembly supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
President Ruto has repeatedly condemned Russia’s actions, describing the invasion as unlawful and a violation of the United Nations Charter. His position has earned recognition from Kyiv and strengthened relations between the two countries.
The talks came as world leaders gathered in France to discuss global economic challenges, development financing, security concerns, and international cooperation.
Ruto’s participation at the summit underscored Kenya’s growing influence in global affairs. The Kenyan leader was personally invited by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has increasingly positioned Kenya as a key African voice in discussions on global financial reform, climate action, and equitable development.
The invitation followed the Africa Forward Summit held in April, where Ruto and Macron jointly championed reforms aimed at making international financial institutions more responsive to the needs of developing nations.
As Kenya seeks to expand its global partnerships beyond traditional allies, the latest engagement with Ukraine signals Nairobi’s intention to play a more active role in shaping international cooperation while pursuing new economic and technological opportunities for its citizens.
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