Ukraine says nearly 3,000 Africans recruited into Russian armed forces

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has told public broadcaster Suspilne that at least 2,982 individuals from 37 African countries have been recruited into Russia's armed forces. Of these, 486 are known to have died in combat. A further 35 citizens from 17 African countries are currently held as prisoners of war on Ukrainian territory.

The largest numbers of recruits have come from Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Algeria and Mali.

Deceptive recruitment tactics

According to the ministry, Russian intelligence services use a wide range of manipulative methods to coerce or deceive Africans into joining the fighting. Recruitment is often disguised as civilian job or study opportunities, with promises of high pay, Russian citizenship, or other migration and social benefits. In many cases, foreign nationals have reportedly been forced to sign military contracts written in Russian under threat of deportation or imprisonment.

Ukrainian diplomatic missions across Africa continue to brief local authorities on Russia's recruitment activities, while Ukraine also runs an information campaign in countries where it maintains diplomatic representation.

Working with the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, the Foreign Ministry has launched a dedicated website available in English, French and Swahili. It provides verified information on Russian recruitment methods, testimonies from victims, analytical materials, practical guidance for potential recruits and their families, and channels for reporting recruiter activity.

In mid-July, Botswana's Ministry of International Relations said a growing number of its citizens were being lured with job offers and coerced into fighting for Russia against Ukraine.