Zambia calls on Russia to end Ukraine war

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) – Zambia on Thursday urged Russia to end its war on Ukraine, joining the growing chorus of calls from the international community for a swift end to the crisis.

“We wish to encourage all countries to work together to bring the war between Russia and Ukraine to an end, as no development can take place in the absence of peace,” President Hakainde Hichilema said as he received the credentials of new Russian Ambassador Azim Yarakhmedov.

Hichilema, who previously described the war as “unnecessary,” said the crisis has negatively impacted the global community and increased economic challenges for developing countries, including Zambia.

Zambia, which relies heavily on energy imports from the West, has been grappling with surging fuel prices in the aftermath of the Ukraine war.

Rising living costs have sparked unrest among the country’s 18 million citizens.

Hichilema tried to assuage their fears last month, asserting in an address to the nation that while the impact of the Ukraine war was “a reality,” his government was committed to rebuild what he described as an “inherited ailing economy.”

Yarakhmedov, who was among several other new diplomats to present their credentials, assured Hichilema that Moscow will continue to enhance its relations with Zambia in various fields, including military and cultural ties, according to a statement.