Kenya joined the majority of United Nations (UN) member states in backing a landmark resolution aimed at promoting a comprehensive, fair, and lasting peace in Ukraine, despite abstentions from the United States (US) and several African nations.

By voting in favour, Kenya aligned itself with countries advocating diplomatic solutions to the ongoing conflict, which continues to draw international attention, including the involvement of Kenyan nationals participating on Ukraine’s frontlines.

The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in a vote that pointed to divided international positions on the war between Russia and Ukraine. While the majority of African countries abstained, Kenya joined a smaller regional group supporting the motion.

In a brief démarche, the Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, confirmed Kenya’s position as the UN marked the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Other countries from the region that voted against the resolution included Burundi, Burkina Faso, Eritrea, Mali, Niger, and Sudan.

Several African nations chose to abstain from the vote, among them Angola, Algeria, Botswana, the neighbouring Ethiopia and Uganda, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Gabon, Gambia, Namibia, Senegal, Seychelles, Togo, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.  

The resolution was adopted with 107 votes in favour, 12 against, and 51 abstentions. The draft was presented by Ukraine and co-sponsored by 46 countries, pushing for stronger global pressure to end the fighting.

The Ukraine deal

The adopted resolution voiced deep concern over ongoing strikes against civilians, civilian infrastructure and energy installations, noting that the attacks have further aggravated the humanitarian crisis within Ukraine. It also reiterated firm backing for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, including its territorial waters.

Despite unprecedented diplomatic efforts, last year was the deadliest for Ukrainian civilians since 2022. More than 15,000 civilians have been killed in Ukraine since the start of the invasion, and more than 41,000 injured. Millions have been forced to flee from their homes. Millions more require life-saving assistance,’ the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said in a statement.

The resolution further called for an immediate, full, and unconditional ceasefire between the warring sides. It also demanded the comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war and the release of all people detained unlawfully during the conflict.

The ongoing fighting also poses direct risks to the safe and secure operations of Ukraine’s nuclear sites. This unconscionable game of nuclear roulette must cease immediately. I commend the International Atomic Energy Agency and its teams for their critical efforts on the ground, despite the serious dangers involved,” Guterres said.

Additionally, the document urged the return of civilians who had been forcibly transferred or deported, including children, describing the move as a key confidence-building step toward peace negotiations. 

The voting came as Kenya prepares for diplomatic engagement with Russia, with the Foreign Affairs CS, Musalia Mudavadi, scheduled to visit Moscow in March to address concerns over Kenyan nationals involved in the war.

The planned visit is part of government efforts to stem the recruitment of Kenyan youth into the conflict, where a recent intelligence report revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyans may have been lured into fighting roles.  

According to reports tabled in Parliament by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), about 89 Kenyans are believed to be on the front line, 39 have been hospitalised due to war-related injuries, while 28 others are missing in action.