ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) — Antigua and Barbuda reaffirmed its support to Ukraine in its war with Russia and called on the international community to help broker a peace agreement.

“We are standing with you, and we’ll continue to do so. This is a conflict in which there are no winners. As one of the world’s smallest and most vulnerable nations, global crises like these affect us disproportionately,” Prime Minister Gaston Browne said during a courtesy call by the Ambassador of Ukraine to the United States, Oksana Markarova.

Russia invaded Ukraine on January 24, 2022, and it has been regarded as the biggest attack on a European country and the first full-scale war, mainly because it regards the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as a threat, and other Eastern states desire guarantees against Russian expansionism.

Prime Minister Browne told the diplomat that during Antigua and Barbuda’s 2023 general elections, the economic repercussions of the Ukraine conflict, including significant inflation, had direct social and political consequences.

“Though geographically distant, the war’s ripple effects were felt in our economy, our cost of living and our political stability. That’s why we have a vested interest in peace and stability globally,” Prime Minister Browne said, as he welcomed the opportunity to elevate bilateral relations and proposed cooperation in several key areas.

He spoke of the urgent need for technical assistance in agriculture, as Antigua and Barbuda remains one of the most food-insecure countries in the world, importing up to 80 per cent of its food weekly from the United States.

“We cannot allow our people to remain vulnerable in the face of geopolitical shocks. We are eager to build local capacity in agriculture, and Ukraine, as a global agricultural leader, can be a critical partner in that transformation.”

For her part, the Ukrainian Ambassador, on behalf of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine, thanked Antigua and Barbuda for its “principled” and early stance in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing conflict.

“Your strong position to defend not only Ukraine, but to defend what is right, is deeply appreciated in Kyiv,” said Ambassador Oksana Markarova, adding, “Antigua and Barbuda may be a small nation, but its voice and values resonate powerfully around the world.”

A government statement said that discussions also focused on areas of tangible cooperation, including Ukraine’s offer to support Antigua and Barbuda in implementing advanced digital technologies, particularly in agriculture.

“The ambassador highlighted Ukraine’s successful government-developed ‘DIA’ digital transformation programme, noting its applications across health, education, fintech, and agri-tech sectors. Ukraine offered to provide technical assistance and training to Antiguan teams to support smart farming initiatives—a move that aligns with Antigua and Barbuda’s transition toward precision agriculture and more efficient water use,” the statement said.

Prime Minister Browne said that as one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, efficient use of water through smart agriculture is a national priority.

“We welcome this opportunity to explore Ukraine’s digital and sensor-based technologies to support our goals in climate resilience and food security.

“We look forward to building a stronger, enduring partnership based on shared values and mutual respect. Antigua and Barbuda will continue to be a steadfast advocate for peace and progress,” Browne added.

The Ukrainian ambassador also extended an invitation to Antigua and Barbuda’s first lady to participate in an upcoming First Ladies Summit in Ukraine, focusing on global partnerships in health and education.