Twenty-six African countries voted in favour of a UN resolution rejecting Moscow’s contentious referendums in four Ukrainian regions that it declared part of Russia.

Nineteen countries abstained, including Eritrea that had previously voted to reject a UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia’s perceived allies, including Mali, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Republic of Congo, South Africa, Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe are also among other African countries that abstained.

Three of these countries hosted Russia’s top diplomat Sergei Lavrov when he toured the region in July.

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome were absent from the assembly.

Earlier this month, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba toured Africa to counter Russia’s apparent hold on the continent and persuade leaders to support Kyiv.

He was forced to cut the visit short after Moscow heightened bombardments on Ukraine.