Russia is intensifying its recruitment efforts for foreign nationals to fight in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, with a notable increase in cases from African and Latin American countries.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba highlighted the alarming trend of Russian recruitment from various African nations, prompting several countries to seek assistance from Ukraine in repatriating their citizens.
Kuleba stated, “We are examining whether we have data on Africans fighting on Russian territory and how to prevent and halt this illegal activity, which is not only prevalent in Africa but is now also focusing on it.” He emphasized discussions with colleagues regarding stricter accountability for illegal mercenary recruitment.
Many countries have introduced criminal penalties for mercenary activities. Kuleba noted that Ukrainian intelligence has shared information about individuals involved in such recruitment schemes.
Ukraine is urging African leadership to prioritize this issue in upcoming discussions, as it continues to escalate.
In addition to Africa, Russia is reportedly recruiting mercenaries from Latin America. Kuleba remarked on the importance of identifying these individuals, stating, “We have lists of foreign nationals fighting on Russia’s side, including those who have been killed and those currently in captivity.”
Recently, Kuleba visited the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, where he facilitated access for foreign consuls to ensure transparency regarding the treatment of their citizens. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its obligations under the Geneva Conventions, emphasizing the collaborative efforts with African partners to combat this growing phenomenon.
Previously, reports indicated that Russia had recruited over a thousand Kenyans for the war, utilizing tourist visa schemes and promises of high salaries. Additionally, foreign mercenaries, including individuals from the Philippines and Colombia, have been confirmed fighting alongside Russian forces.
There have also been reports of South African citizens being misled into serving in the Russian military, facing harsh conditions such as inadequate food and water, and being forced to hide from drone attacks.
The number of identified foreign nationals from Africa who have died fighting for Russia is also on the rise, with the bodies of two Nigerians discovered in Luhansk and reports of 15 Zimbabweans killed in the conflict.
Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals, particularly from Africa and Latin America, is escalating amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Ukraine is collaborating with affected countries to address this issue and repatriate their citizens.