Over 1,700 Africans Fighting for Russia in Ukraine War – Kyiv Raises Alarm

Ukraine has alleged that more than 1,700 African nationals are currently fighting alongside Russian forces in the ongoing war, accusing Moscow of using deceptive tactics to recruit them.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha made the disclosure on Wednesday during a joint press briefing with Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. According to Sybiha, Ukraine’s intelligence indicates that at least 1,780 individuals from 36 African countries have been enlisted into the Russian military.

Kyiv claims that many of these recruits were misled with false promises of employment opportunities, only to find themselves deployed to the frontlines of the conflict.

“We are witnessing attempts by Russia to pull African citizens into a brutal war,” Sybiha said, noting that Ukraine is engaging several African governments in discussions aimed at curbing what he described as exploitative recruitment schemes.

Russian officials have rejected allegations of unlawful recruitment. However, reports have surfaced in recent months suggesting that African men were enticed to Russia under the guise of civilian job offers before being redirected into combat roles in Ukraine.

Ablakwa stated that numerous African nationals caught up in the conflict were victims of online scams, particularly through dark web channels. He stressed that many lacked military training or prior security experience.

“These individuals were misled and placed directly in harm’s way,” he said.

Ghana also expressed support for Ukraine’s call for peace, urging a ceasefire as the war entered its fourth year earlier this week. Ablakwa disclosed plans to appeal to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the release of two Ghanaian nationals currently held as prisoners of war after being captured while fighting for Russia.

Looking ahead to Ghana’s leadership of the African Union next year, Ablakwa said the country intends to spearhead awareness campaigns to expose trafficking networks allegedly facilitating the recruitment of Africans into foreign conflicts.