The United States (U.S.) Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Virginia Palmer has sympathized with Ghana and other countries in Africa over the impact of the Russian-Ukraine war on their economies.
On the occasion of the first anniversary of the war, which falls on February 24, 2023, the Ambassador in a statement said “February 24 marks one year since Russia launched its brutal, full-scale invasion of Ukraine.”
“Russia’s horrifying violence has killed thousands and destroyed entire cities. Here in Ghana, Putin’s war has driven up prices for fertilizer, food, and fuel,” Madam Palmer was quoted as saying
The Envoy pledged that the US was working to mitigate the economic pain and uncertainty the conflict had caused.
She recalled, “in December, President Biden announced an additional $2.5 billion in food security assistance for Africa, which builds upon over $11 billion in U.S. humanitarian and food security assistance.”
Ambassador Palmer contended that Russia was losing on the battlefield and in desperation had decided to attack schools, hospitals, churches, apartment buildings, and critical infrastructure to exact the heaviest toll on civilians.
According to her, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine did not start in 2022. “This is a continuation of Russia’s illegal seizure of Crimea and parts of Luhansk and Donetsk in 2014,” she intimated.
Madam Palmer expressed the delight of her country over Ghana’s condemnation of the invasion, saying “with its leadership on the United Nations Security Council, Ghana condemned Russia’s illegal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.”
“Putin and his enablers believe that might makes right – but they are wrong. They are losing. Since last year, the U.S. has rallied allies and partners from around the world to stand strong with Ukraine. We cannot let a small country get stomped on by a larger neighbor.
She reiterated the refrain trumpeted by the US government that “if Russia stops fighting and withdraws, the war ends. If Ukraine stops fighting, Ukraine ends.”
The American people had stood proudly with Ukraine.
“We stand for freedom. We stand for democracy. We stand against bullies. We are United with Ukraine,” the statement concluded.
