Zimbabweans lured into Russia’s war as families plead for their return

Families call on governments in Moscow and Harare to secure the return of loved ones from Ukrainian front lines.Harare, Zimbabwe – Elvis Sitshela remains deeply unsettled by the sudden departure of his brother, Dumisani, to Russia in early 2026. Dumisani left in complete secrecy, without telling the family, until a shocking text arrived from an international number.“Hi, brother, I am in Russia now. It’s me, Dumisani,” recalled Elvis, who requested his real name be withheld for safety.Recommended Stories list of 2 itemslist 1 of 2Amid Ukraine’s daring assaults, Russia scales back Victory Day celebrationslist 2 of 2Russia, Ukraine trade fire, blame despite Victory Day ceasefireend of list“He was unemployed for a long time and tried to settle in South Africa, but it didn’t work out; he returned home last December. By January, he was gone,” Elvis said.Weeks later, the family received more troubling news: A neighbour who had travelled with Dumisani was killed in Ukraine, where Russia has been waging a full-scale war for the past four years.“I am appealing to the Zimbabwean and Russian governments to work together to bring our brothers home,” he added, urging officials in Harare and Moscow to act before it is too late.Trafficking chargesIn late March, four people appeared before Harare Magistrates’ Court facing human trafficking charges.The group is accused of sending Zimbabweans to Russia, where the victims were allegedly forced to participate in Moscow’s war on Ukraine.The accused – Obert Hlavati, Tonderai Maphosa, Tanaka Malcon Gwarada, and Edson Dudzayi Nyamudeza – were not asked to plead during their appearance before Magistrate Jessi Kufa.According to the prosecution, the four conspired with a Russian national named Ivan to traffic six Zimbabweans to Russia.Separately, a few days ago, security officials at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo international airport intercepted two brothers attempting to board a flight to Russia. Although the pair claimed they were travelling to attend a university open event in Moscow, authorities grew suspicious and prevented them from leaving.