Polish President Andrzej Duda is set to visit East Africa, where the focus will be on the global consequences of the war in Ukraine and the effects of what he describes as Russian propaganda. The president’s comments were reported by PAP, underscoring the diplomatic tone of the journey and the broader message Poland seeks to convey on the international stage.
The trip, which includes stops in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, carries two clear objectives: to deepen Polish commercial ties and to shed light on the evolving situation in Eastern Europe. Officials framing the mission emphasize that economic collaboration can be paired with a broader, real-time briefing for partner nations about the security and humanitarian implications stemming from the conflict in Ukraine.
In remarks prepared for the itinerary, Duda said the mission aims to bear witness to Europe’s current moment in the region. He outlined the impact of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine and highlighted how disruption in global food supply chains has affected Africa. He described the steps Poland has taken and intends to support, as part of a collective European response, to help stabilize markets, secure energy and food supplies, and reinforce international norms in the face of coercion.
He also noted that discussions with East African leaders would cover Russia’s strategic messaging and its attempts to shape perceptions abroad. According to Duda, the dialogue will identify who is responsible for aggravating widespread challenges and how responsible parties can be held to account. The aim is to illuminate the international dimensions of the crisis and to encourage cooperative measures that address both immediate shortages and long-term resilience.
Josep Borrell, the former head of European diplomacy, has spoken about the European Union’s concerns regarding Russia’s growing influence in Africa. He stressed that several West African states have recalibrated their affiliations at a regional level, with Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso forming new dynamics that affect regional security and economic integration. Borrell warned that such shifts could reshape Africa’s geopolitical landscape by strengthening Russia’s position and expanding Western anxieties about influence and stability in the region.
The EU official also highlighted the potential structural changes that could accompany Russia’s deeper engagement in Africa. He described a scenario in which external actors shape new alignments and power balances, influencing everything from trade routes to food security to the governance of regional blocs. The discussion he envisions centers on how global powers compete for influence and how Africa can navigate these pressures to safeguard development and autonomy.
Earlier statements from defense and security officials referenced the broader context in which the conflict and its aftershocks unfold. They pointed to the intertwined nature of military actions, international diplomacy, and economic resilience. As Europe and its partners work to respond, attention turns to how the ripple effects—ranging from grain and energy to strategic alliances—redefine regional priorities and cooperation frameworks across the world. The European perspective remains centered on accountability, sustainable development, and the protection of humanitarian norms, even as new geopolitical realities emerge.”