Ukraine Embassy Honours Memory of Victims Of Missile, Drone Attack.
By Ferdinand Olise
The Embassy of Ukraine in Nigeria has opened a Book of Condolences in Abuja in memory of civilians killed during Russia’s recent missile and drone attacks.
The Embassy which hosted a cultural and diplomatic engagement with Journalists in Abuja, also pledged to deepen bilateral ties with Nigeria, and promote media cooperation.
According to the Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Ivan Kholostenko, the assault, carried out on the night of 28 August 2025, claimed at least 18 lives, including four children of which the youngest is below the age of three years.
Ambassador Kholostenko, also stated that the attack damaged the premises of the European Union Delegation in Kyiv.
He described the strike as a violation of international law.
“The killing of children is the gravest of crimes, one that requires firm international condemnation and accountability. Russia is a terrorist state, and we call on all countries and international organizations to formally recognize this status. We urge our partners across Africa to intensify pressure on Russia.”
“The exhibition at the Embassy of Ukraine in Abuja today serves as a reminder once again. Ukraine’s struggle is a struggle for freedom and humanity for the entire world”, the Ambassador said.
Also, the Ukraine’s Consul, Mr. Oleksul Damiillo, described Nigeria as a like-minded nation that is open, hardworking, and development focused. He emphasised Ukraine’s determination to continue contributing to global partnerships despite the ongoing war.
“We are open like Nigeria. We are ready like Nigeria. We are developing our country, even as we continue to defend it. Despite the challenges, we are still contributing from agriculture to IT, and industrial collaboration”, he said.
He further pointed out Ukraine’s long history and cultural identity.
“Kiev was founded more than 1,500 years ago. We adopted Christianity in 980, and for over a thousand years, our culture has reflected this heritage. Ukraine’s independence declared in 1991 continues this historic tradition” he said.
In a tribute to the victims of Russia’s recent missile strike., Mr. Damiillo declared, “We are free. We are Ukrainians”.
A moment of silence was observed for the victims of the war, followed by a guided exhibition tour on Ukraine’s culture, landscapes, and wartime history that showcased the resilience and pride of the Ukrainian people as they continue to defend their sovereignty while building international partnership.
The Photo Exhibition has its theme as “Three Years of Resilience: Ukraine in Photograpy”.
The photo exhibition include pictures of artifacts, banners, and patches sent from the front-lines symbols of Ukraine’s ongoing resistance since Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
The war, now in its third year, has caused thousands of civilian deaths, displaced millions, and drawn widespread international condemnation.
