Ukrainian Ambassador to DR Congo: ‘I’m here to stop Russia’s spread in Africa’

The diplomat shared this in an interview with Ukrinform.

Hamianin emphasized that the DRC is the "heart of Africa," rich in natural resources, including fresh water and minerals. In his view, Ukraine should actively develop relations with that country, which had previously been overlooked by Ukrainian diplomacy.

"Ten Ukrainian embassies were planned to open in Africa, and when I saw the list of countries, I thought: this is the one! I wrote a multi-page justification explaining why I wanted to go to the DRC. First and foremost – to prevent a large-scale appearance of Russian ‘Aquafresh’ (propaganda) there," the diplomat said.

According to him, he had seen what was happening in countries neighboring the DRC.

"Central Africa – Wagner, Mali – Wagner, Sudan – Wagner. In the Republic of the Congo with its capital in Brazzaville, things seem fine, but their president went to Putin’s parade. Some neighboring countries are strengthening ties with Belarus, Russia, Brazil, and others. My main impulse was to prevent all this. And our flag will certainly have its place here and won’t allow the Russian plague to spread across this country," Hamianin stated firmly.

He added that the Ukrainian embassy in the DRC has only recently started its work.

"But I’ve heard from the EU and other partner countries’ ambassadors: ‘It’s good that you are here – this is really needed!’" the diplomat noted.

As Ukrinform previously reported, Ukraine's embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo officially began operations in April 2024.

President Volodymyr Zelensky, by decree dated December 21, 2024, appointed Vasyl Hamianin as the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Hamianin presented his credentials to DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on April 10, 2025.

Photo from Vasyl Hamianin's personal archive