At least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are
fighting for Russia in its invasion of Ukraine, according to the Ukrainian
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said the figure
represents those already identified, but the real number could be higher.
He accused Moscow of using deceptive and coercive tactics to
recruit Africans into the Russian army.
“Russia recruits nationals of African countries using a
variety of methods. Some are offered money, while others are duped or forced to
sign up under duress,” Sybiha said.
“Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death
sentence.”
According to Sybiha, most foreign fighters are sent into
dangerous front-line missions, where they are quickly killed.
He said Russian commanders treat them as expendable because
their deaths rarely result in accountability.
“Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate,” he
said.
“Most mercenaries do not survive more than a month.”
The minister urged Africans to reject recruitment attempts
and warned that fighting for Russia violates international law.
“There are two options to avoid such a fate. First, do not
be recruited and do not sign any documents with Russian authorities,” he said.
“I urge all African governments to issue public statements
warning their citizens against joining the Russian invasion army. Fighting for
Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine is illegal, immoral, and
violates the UN Charter and international law.”
Sybiha said that those already deployed to the front lines
should surrender to Ukrainian forces rather than continue fighting.
He claimed that many foreign fighters captured by Ukraine
became prisoners of war during their first combat and were treated according to
international humanitarian law.
“If you’ve already been deployed, look for any opportunity
to desert and become a prisoner of war,” he said.
“Ukrainian captivity provides a ticket to life and the
possibility of returning to your home country.”
The minister added that Russia’s recruitment drive extends
beyond Africa.
He said Ukraine would release more details about the regions
and countries where foreign citizens are being enlisted and later captured.
“We once again urge all governments to make every effort to
disrupt Russian recruitment schemes and to inform their citizens that such
activity is illegal,” Sybiha said.
The statement comes amid growing concerns over Moscow’s
global recruitment networks, which allegedly target vulnerable populations with
false promises of money, or legal status.
Several countries have reported citizens allegedly being
lured into Russia for opportunities but end up in the Russian Army, where they
are sent to the frontlines to fight against Ukraine.
Some of the recent cases include Kenya and India, where
citizens surrendered to the Ukrainian side after having disagreements with
their commanders. They are currently held in Ukraine as prisoners of war.
