African Nations Seek Return of Citizens Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Kenya and Botswana are seeking the return of citizens held in Ukraine, saying some were promised civilian jobs before being forced to serve in Russia’s military. Ukraine estimates that at least 1,700 African nationals have fought for Russia, while some captured by Kyiv have previously told Kyiv Post they were sent to the front under false pretenses.
African nations are urging Ukraine to return citizens who have been captured while fighting alongside Russia. Kenya has negotiated the release of five nationals held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps, with President William Ruto contacting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about their freedom. Botswana's foreign ministry is also seeking the return of one Kenyan citizen detained in a Ukrainian camp.
Kenya wants the captured men treated as victims of international human trafficking rather than prisoners of war, stating that the recruitment and enlistment of the men bear the hallmarks of trafficking. About 84 Kenyans have died or are missing, with 34 receiving treatment in Russia. Kenya has repatriated 62 Kenyan citizens who participated in the war.
Zimbabwe expressed concern over deceptive recruitment, with some recruits sent to the front lines without prior military training. Ukraine holds at least 213 foreign prisoners of war, including 37 Africans, with about 1,700 African nationals identified as having fought for Russia. Human rights organizations have documented similar cases of deception, coercion, and exploitation used by Russia to recruit foreign nationals.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
