Photo: Тhe Indian Express
Russia has recruited nearly 3,000 citizens from 36 African countries to fight in the war against Ukraine, using schemes involving educational programs, job offers, and religious organizations. Moscow plans to recruit another 18,500 foreigners this year, according to Liubov Abravitova, director of the Africa Department at Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry, in an interview with Glavkom.
She said the situation is becoming increasingly concerning. According to Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, at least 2,965 African citizens had fought or were fighting in Russian forces against Ukraine as of May 1, 2026.
“Experts believe the real number is even higher. The main ‘donor countries’ in Africa include Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda. The trend is extremely alarming: in 2026, the Russian command plans to recruit 18,500 foreigners. Russia uses various recruitment mechanisms — from misleading promises of ‘free scholarships’ to recruitment through religious structures,” Abravitova said.
She noted that Ukraine must handle each case individually. Countries such as Ghana are open to dialogue and cooperation, while others, including Nigeria, where many recruits originate, lack the political will to address the issue systematically.
Abravitova also said African nations are beginning to reassess their view of Russia.
“Many countries are starting to realize that Russia’s so-called ‘second army in the world’ cannot cope with Ukraine and needs additional manpower, including from the African continent,” she stressed.
According to the Foreign Ministry official, Ukraine is actively informing the international community about the issue through diplomatic channels and media outreach. Kyiv believes that spreading accurate information about recruitment conditions and the treatment of foreign recruits in Russia could help reduce the flow of mercenaries from African countries.
At the same time, she pointed out that mercenary activity is illegal in many African states, meaning that those who return home may face criminal prosecution.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced new sanctions targeting Russian networks accused of fraudulently recruiting citizens from North Africa and the Middle East for the war against Ukraine. He also said Ukraine was coordinating efforts on the issue with the United Kingdom.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha previously stated that more than 300 foreign mercenaries — mainly from Africa and Asia — who fought for Russia had been captured by Ukrainian forces.
