We have a lot to share with each other. We won’t agree on everything. Often, what is “good” for one may be “bad” for the other.
And yet, this conversation is necessary — and it’s interesting. A perspective from Africa on Ukraine can offer a fresh viewpoint. Likewise, a Ukrainian perspective on Africa can do the same. At the very least, let’s try.
African audiences are interested in Ukraine because the war is globally significant. Additionally, food security is important for the continent as Ukraine supplied almost 10% of global grain before the war.
"Any disruption to those supply chains can have a devastating impact further down the line..." — Simon Alison.
"I was fascinated by the resilience and the innovation that you see as a result of these terrible circumstances..." — Simon Alison.
Discussion on the history of colonization of Ukraine by Russia and Africa by Western Europe. "What Ukrainians actually understand by Europe and what Africans are understand by Europe are completely different things..." — Volodymyr Yermolenko.
In contrast to African wars (Sudan, Ethiopia), the Western world supported Ukraine rapidly and largely. These actions shape African attitudes toward the West and Ukraine.
"...frankly, an extraordinary Western response in terms of the amount of money, the amount of arms, the amount of political support that Ukraine received ... those policies are not the same when they are applied in the rest of the global South." — Simon Alison.
Russia’s real influence is limited to weaker African states and is often exaggerated by both Russian and even Ukrainian officials because of disinformation.
"In the grand scheme of things, Russia is a very small player in Africa. Its presence is tiny... China is very different. China has made huge leaps... as Africa's largest trading partner..." — Simon Alison.
Russian propaganda exploits real historical or social traumas to sow distrust, so Ukrainians sometimes echo Russian exaggerations regarding Russian influence in Africa.
Explaining Ukraine is a podcast by UkraineWorld, a multilingual media outlet focused on Ukraine.
UkraineWorld is run by Internews Ukraine, one of Ukraine's largest media NGOs.
You can support our work at www.patreon.com/c/ukraineworld. Your support is crucial, as our media increasingly relies on crowdfunding.
You can also help fund our volunteer trips to front-line areas, where we assist both soldiers and civilians — mainly by delivering vehicles for soldiers and books for civilians. Donations can be made via PayPal at ukraine.resisting@gmail.com.
This episode was produced in partnership with the Ukrainian Institute, Ukraine's major cultural and public diplomacy institution, and NGO Cultural Diplomacy Foundation.
