The Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria has once again opened a condolence book in Abuja to honor victims of ongoing Russian attacks, marking the sixth time such a register has been made available since April 2025.
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The decision follows a fresh wave of strikes on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, which claimed the lives of several non-combatants, including children. Ukrainian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Ivan Kholostenko, described the assault as part of a “disturbing pattern” rather than an isolated incident.
According to the diplomat, the condolence book serves as a tribute to those killed in what he called a “massive act of terror” by Russia. United Nations figures show that as of May 31, 2025, at least 13,341 civilians have been killed since the Russian invasion began on February 24, 2022. June 2025 alone recorded the highest monthly civilian death toll in three years.
The Ukrainian mission accused Moscow of deliberately maximizing civilian casualties through tactics such as the “double tap”, striking an area and then hitting it again to target rescuers and deploying cluster munitions.
Ambassador Kholostenko expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s support and urged the global community to remain engaged with Ukraine’s plight. He noted that both Ukrainians and Nigerians share a deep understanding of the value of freedom, making international solidarity essential in resisting aggression.
