Zelenskyy congratulates Hichilema, invites him to Ukraine
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | Zelenskyy congratulates Hichilema, invites him to Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his re-election, describing the result as a reflection of public confidence in his leadership and Zambia’s continued democratic development.
In a message dated August 31, Zelenskyy said Ukraine values its relationship with Zambia and expressed appreciation for Lusaka’s support for Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity under the United Nations Charter and international law.
“Ukraine highly values the friendly relations with Zambia,” Zelenskyy said, signalling Kyiv’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation as Hichilema begins his second term.
The Ukrainian leader said the two countries could deepen engagement in areas of mutual interest, including cooperation within international organisations, where Zambia has sought to maintain a foreign policy anchored in multilateralism and respect for international law.
Zelenskyy also invited Hichilema to visit Ukraine, saying he would be pleased to receive the Zambian President.
The invitation carries diplomatic significance beyond the congratulatory message. Ukraine has been expanding engagement with African governments as it seeks stronger political, diplomatic and economic relations across the continent amid its continuing war with Russia.
For Zambia, relations with Kyiv sit within a broader policy of maintaining diplomatic engagement across competing centres of global power while defending established principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Zelenskyy wished Hichilema success during his new mandate and extended wishes of “peace, harmony and prosperity” to the Zambian people.
His message adds to a series of congratulations from African and international leaders following Hichilema’s re-election and inauguration for the 2026–2031 term.
The People’s Brief | Mendoi Liteta