Over 1,400 African citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine, warns Kyiv

At least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are currently serving in the Russian Armed Forces in Ukraine, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated.

He noted, however, that the true number of foreign fighters on Russia’s side may be significantly higher, Caliber.Az reports, citing Ukrainian media.

“According to available information, at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are currently fighting in the ranks of the Russian invading army in Ukraine. These are those who have been identified, although the actual number may be higher,” Sybiha said.

The Foreign Minister described various methods employed by Russia to recruit African citizens. Some are offered financial incentives, others are misled or coerced into signing contracts without understanding the consequences, while some are pressured into service. Sybiha warned that signing a contract is tantamount to signing a death sentence.

Foreign nationals serving in the Russian army face extreme danger. According to Sybiha, many are immediately sent to the most perilous frontline assaults, where casualties are extremely high. “The Russian command understands that there will be no accountability for the death of a foreigner, so they are treated as second-rate, expendable human material,” he said.

Most foreign mercenaries reportedly do not survive more than a month in combat. Sybiha stressed that there are only two ways to avoid such a fate:

Do not join the Russian army: “I urge all governments of African states to publicly warn their citizens against joining the Russian army. Participation on Russia’s side in its war of aggression against Ukraine is illegal, immoral, and violates the UN Charter and international law,” the minister said.

Desert and surrender if already at the front: Many foreign fighters in Ukrainian captivity became prisoners of war during their first battle. “All of them saved their lives,” Sybiha noted.

Ukraine intends to continue providing information about the regions and countries from which Russia recruits foreign citizens, as well as updates on those captured.

Beyond military recruitment, Russia plans to create a single platform for African graduates of Russian universities to coordinate activities promoting the Russian language and fostering a positive image of the country abroad. According to Sybiha, the platform will allow Russian authorities to institutionalize educational influence, turning graduates into agents of cultural and political influence capable of advancing pro-Russian narratives and cultivating loyal elites in African countries.

By Vafa Guliyeva