Ukraine says over 1,400 Africans recruited by Russia to fight in war

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that over 1,400 African citizens have been recruited by Russia to fight the war, urging the governments of African nations to warn their people from joining the conflict, where they are “quickly killed”.

“Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. “Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called ‘meat assaults’, where they are quickly killed,” Sybiha wrote on X.

“Russia recruits nationals of African countries using a variety of methods. Some are offered money, while others are duped and do not realise what they are signing up for or are forced to do so under duress. Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence,” he added.

South Africa probes citizens fighting in war

South Africa will be investigating how its citizens ended up as mercenaries in the Russia-Ukraine war after the men sent a distress call, urging the government to bring them back home.

The South African government said in a statement that as many as 17 men were lured into fighting in the war on the pretext of lucrative jobs. This phenomenon is not new to India, as several men continue to remain trapped in Ukraine as a result of being duped by Russian agents.

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“President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an investigation into the circumstances that led to the recruitment of these young men into these seemingly mercenary activities,” said the statement.

The presidency statement did not say which side the men were fighting on, and presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwengya said: “We don’t know yet, hence the investigation”.

South Africa caught in the middle of war

The 17 men are said to be trapped in Ukraine’s Donbas region, which is under Russian military control. A spokesperson for Ukraine’s foreign ministry said it was looking into the reports. Russia’s embassy in South Africa did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Under South African law, it is illegal for citizens to provide military assistance to foreign governments or participate in foreign armies unless authorised by South Africa.

South Africa has maintained itself as a neutral partner in the Russia-Ukraine war and has maintained warm relations with Russia as a fellow member of the BRICS group of emerging economies. Ramaphosa has met leaders of both countries.