Ukraine accuses Russia of recruiting over 1,400 Africans to fight in its war

Ukraine has accused Russia of recruiting more than 1,400 Africans to fight in its war, alleging that Moscow is using deceptive promises and coercion to lure citizens from across the continent into what it calls “suicidal” military contracts.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said on Friday that Russia is recruiting nationals from at least 36 African countries, often under false pretences, and sending them to the front lines where they are quickly killed.

“Russia recruits nationals of African countries using a variety of methods,” Kuleba stated. “Some are offered money, while others are duped and do not realise what they are signing up for or are forced to do so under duress. Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence.”

He further claimed that most foreign recruits in the Russian army are “immediately sent to the so-called ‘meat assaults’, where they are quickly killed,” adding that “most mercenaries do not survive more than a month.”

African Governments Acknowledge the Issue

The minister’s warning comes as several African governments have begun investigating and acknowledging cases of their citizens being recruited by Russian forces.

• South Africa said last week it was investigating how 17 of its nationals became involved with mercenary groups after the men issued distress calls seeking help to return home. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the men were lured “under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts” and had become trapped in the Donbas region.
• Kenya also reported last month that some of its citizens had been detained in Russian military camps. President William Ruto said he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy about “young Kenyans who have been illegally recruited” and both agreed to raise awareness of the dangers.

A Pattern of Foreign Recruitment

Ukrainian officials have long accused Russia of bolstering its ranks by enlisting fighters from abroad.

In August, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated that Russian troops included mercenaries from countries like China, Tajikistan, and Pakistan—claims those governments have denied. Ukrainian media has also reported on the capture of fighters from India and China, often recruited with promises of high salaries or Russian citizenship.

Kyiv further estimates that the largest contingent of foreign fighters may come from Cuba, with up to 20,000 allegedly recruited.

According to Kuleba, the true number of African recruits is likely higher than the 1,436 already identified, and Ukraine plans to soon release more details on the origins of captured fighters.