African fighters in Russia's ranks: Ghana seeks release of captured nationals
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Samuel Ablakwa (president.gov.ua)
Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to release Ghanaian nationals captured while fighting on Russia’s side against Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.
Read also: More than 1700 Africans fighting for Russia: Ukrainian foreign minister reveals scale
Ghana’s top diplomat previously said he visited Kyiv and held talks with President Zelenskyy, during which he sought to arrange the release of Ghanaian prisoners of war.
"We held fruitful discussions focused on Ghana’s appeal on humanitarian grounds for the release of two of our citizens," Ablakwa said.
Earlier, the nonprofit research organization Inpact reported that of 1,417 Africans it identified as serving on Russia’s side, 234 were Ghanaians. In terms of numbers within the Russian army, Ghanaians rank behind only Egypt and Cameroon.
After the meeting, Zelenskyy also said he discussed the involvement of African nationals in the war against Ukraine.
"We discussed in detail how Russia recruits citizens of Ghana and other African countries to participate in the war against Ukraine, and how we can counter this. Our teams will remain in contact on this issue," the president said.
Previously, the Indian government reported at least 200 cases of its citizens being recruited by Russian recruiters to fight in Ukraine. According to official data, at least 26 Indians have been killed, and seven remain missing.
At the same time, Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called on African countries to strengthen efforts to counter Russian recruitment schemes that draw young people from across the continent into the war.
For more on how African nationals end up on the front lines, are taken prisoner, and what they say about their experience with Russian forces, read the report by RBC-Ukraine.
