These were the words of the Ambassador of Ukraine to Rwanda, Viacheslav Yatsiuk, as he addressed the Minister of Defense of Rwanda, Juvenal Marizamunda, during a meeting held on September 5, 2025. “The Rwandan people, who have gone by themselves through difficult trials, including those related to the colonial past, understand the price of independence and peace better than anyone. The realization of the fact that even in geographically distant Rwanda people sincerely root for Ukraine is an important moral support for us, and this strengthens our resolution to remain steadfast in protecting our own future,” the Ukrainian diplomat emphasized.

During the meeting, challenges to international security in Europe and the prospects for a peaceful settlement in the Great Lakes region were discussed. Viacheslav Yatsiuk informed the Minister of Defense of Rwanda in detail about the efforts of the Ukrainian leadership aimed at creating the prerequisites to end the Russian-Ukrainian war.