Kazakhstan prepares a list for Moscow, Kenya appeals to Kyiv: three governments try to get citizens out of Russia’s war
Kyrgyzstan says some of its migrants are forced into contracts, and Russia told Kenya that unit commanders rule on requests to quit, case by case.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kenya are all seeking to bring back citizens who have been drawn into Russia's war, according to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service. Many of these men were lured or coerced into Russia's army, often for work purposes. Russia relies on foreign recruits to fill its ranks. In April, Ukraine's military intelligence estimated that Russia plans to enlist at least 18,500 foreign workers in 2026.
This has prompted other countries to push back, such as Ghana in August. However, once a man is serving in Russia's army, his government must request his release from Russia. Kyrgyzstan is currently compiling a list of its citizens in Russia who have been forced to sign enlistment contracts. Kazakhstan is also negotiating with Russia regarding its citizens in combat zones and will send the compiled list to Russia once checks are complete.
Kenya, meanwhile, is advocating for five Kenyan nationals held by Ukraine to be treated as potential trafficking victims. These countries are facing a difficult situation, as there is little they can do once a man is serving in Russia's army, other than request his release through Russian officials.
Written by urgent.news from Euromaidan Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
