Ukraine says Russia recruited nearly 3,000 Africans to fight in its war

The figures were reported by Suspilne, citing the ministry.

According to the Foreign Ministry, 35 African nationals from 17 countries are currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Russia has recruited the largest numbers of people from Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Algeria, and Mali.

The ministry says Russian security services use deception and coercion to recruit Africans, including offers of civilian jobs or education, high salaries, Russian citizenship, and other migration or social benefits.

In many cases, foreign nationals are forced to sign military contracts written in Russian under threat of deportation or imprisonment, according to the ministry.

Ukrainian diplomatic missions regularly inform African governments about cases involving the recruitment of their citizens and run awareness campaigns in countries where Ukraine has diplomatic representation.

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War have also launched a website providing information about Russian recruitment methods, testimonies from victims, advice for people at risk, and instructions on how to report recruiters.

In April, Ukraine’s military intelligence said Russia planned to recruit around 20,000 foreign nationals for its military in 2026. Central Asian countries were expected to be the main target, while Bangladesh, Chad, Sudan, Burundi, and other African countries were also among Russia’s recruitment priorities.