As Russian full-scale war against Ukraine was based on the gross miscalculations of Russian elites, who underestimated both our army and the resolve of our citizens to protect their land, the would-be celebrated Putin’s blitzkrieg has failed. Facing more and more losses, more and more isolation from the civilized world for committing war crimes that should be unthinkable in XXI century, Putin grows angrier. His anger manifests in the intensified shelling and bombs falling on civilian infrastructure, such as schools, cinemas, maternity hospitals, and also in the increased disinformation aimed to divide the world that stands united with Ukraine during these dark days.
Against the background of full-scale Russian aggression in Ukraine and mass evacuation from the epicenters of enemy attacks, the wave of information about the alleged discrimination and segregation at the Ukrainian border is gaining momentum. Border guards are accused of improper behavior allegedly preventing foreign citizens (especially Africans and Indians) from leaving the country. Allegedly, Ukrainian authorities adhere to the policy “Ukrainians in the first place”, taking foreign citizens off the evacuation trains to replace them with Ukrainians, committing discrimination based on race.
In fact, Ukrainian border guards are doing everything possible to speed up the passage of all citizens from Ukraine at the border. All checkpoints on the western border are open 24 hours a day. Moreover, on March 2, Ukraine established an emergency hotline for African, Asian and other students wishing to leave Ukraine because of Russia’s invasion: +380934185684 (they can call, message via Viber or Telegram).
While the situation at the border is far from calm, Ukraine’s Ukrzaliznytsia tries to follow an established procedure. High priority is given to women, children, and older persons, and not based on race or skin color. In such circumstances, foreigners, especially single men, are indeed not prioritized, but such decision is not based on racial discrimination.
Ukraine pays extra attention to dealing with the localized manifestation of the problem, not only because it values both citizens and guests – but also to combat excessive Russian disinformation, which tries to portray Ukraine as “racist” and, therefore, not deserving any support. In particular, RT pays extra attention to this issue, as it helps supporting the “Ukraine is fascist” narrative that served as a pretext for invasion.
Separate cases are treated with extreme seriousness – according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Kuleba:
“Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has affected Ukrainians and non-citizens in many devastating ways. Africans seeking evacuation are our friends and need to have equal opportunities to return to their home countries safely. Ukraine’s government spares no effort to solve the problem.”
Zhan Beleniuk, an Olympic champion and the first black MP in Ukraine, also debunks these claims in his address, saying that
“Ukraine is a tolerant country and doesn’t have any pressing racial issues. I would like to appeal to all the representatives of the African republics to condemn the execution, the killing of civilians and children”.
Ukraine, while going through an extremely difficult time, is dedicated to maintaining equality and making sure not just its citizens but also its guests – students, foreign experts, family members – feel as safe as possible under the circumstances.