Ukraine alleges Russia enlists more than 1,700 Africans to fight

Ukraine alleges that Russia has recruited over 1,700 African citizens to fight in the war, now in its fifth year. The accusation was made by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha during a press conference with Ghana's foreign minister in Kyiv. Sybiha claims Russia uses deceptive schemes to lure these individuals from 36 African countries. Ghana's foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that many Africans are deceived with false promises of employment and lack military training. Reports have increased of Africans being lured to Russia with job offers, only to be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine, causing tension between Moscow and some African nations. Russia denies illegally recruiting African citizens.

Eleven South African men, allegedly lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, are being repatriated home. This follows distress calls from a group of seventeen men who claimed they were tricked into joining mercenary forces in the Donbas region. Four men returned last week, and the remaining eleven are expected soon, with two others still in Russia awaiting processing or hospitalization. President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked President Vladimir Putin for his support in facilitating the return through diplomatic channels. An investigation is underway into the recruitment of these men, as South African law prohibits citizens from fighting for foreign armies without authorization. Reports have surfaced of similar recruitment schemes targeting young men from other African countries.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for assisting in the repatriation of 17 South African men who were allegedly lured to fight on the Russian front lines in Ukraine. The men, aged 20 to 39, reportedly made distress calls requesting assistance, prompting the South African government to work with Russian authorities to secure their return. According to Ramaphosa's office, the men were allegedly recruited into "mercenary activities," and the circumstances surrounding their recruitment are under investigation. As of Tuesday, four men have returned to South Africa, with eleven more expected to arrive soon, while two remain in Russia for medical treatment and travel processing. Ukraine estimates that over 1,400 foreign nationals from 36 African countries have been recruited by Russia, often through financial incentives, deception, and coercion.