Ukraine MPs on Rwanda ties – and Olympic champion Zhan Beleniuk’s journey back to his roots

Ukrainian lawmakers Oleksandr Merezhko and Zhan Beleniuk sit down with The Context for an exclusive conversation on the growing relationship between Rwanda and Ukraine. Beleniuk, an Olympic and world champion of Rwandan descent, opens up about his deep connection to Rwanda, the story of how his Rwandan father and Ukrainian mother met in Kyiv, and why he describes himself as “a product of love.” Saying he was ’50 per cent Rwandan’, the 35-year-old also discusses his ambition to contribute to the development of Rwandan sporting talent. Merezhko, Chair of Ukraine’s Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Policy and Interparliamentary Relations, explains the significance of the delegation’s visit and the opportunities for deeper Rwanda–Ukraine cooperation in areas including agriculture, fertiliser, security and defence. The conversation also explores what closer relations between Ukraine and African countries could mean for both sides.