Citizens from 36 African countries fighting for Russia in Ukraine
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (photo: Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
At least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting against Ukraine as part of Russia's Armed Forces, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, citing data from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He added that the real number of foreign fighters involved on the Russian side may be higher.
"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.
According to him, Russia recruits citizens of African countries using various methods. Some are offered money, others are deceived and do not understand what they are signing up for, or are forced to do so under pressure. Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence.
The fate of Africans in the Russian army
Foreign citizens in the Russian army face a grim fate. Most of them are immediately sent to so-called meat assaults, where they are quickly killed. 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.
According to the Foreign Minister, most mercenaries do not survive more than a month. But there are two ways to avoid such a fate.
What to do to avoid becoming a victim of the war
Firstly, do not join the Russian army and refrain from signing any documents with the Russian authorities.
"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," Sybiha added.
Secondly, if you have already been sent to the front line, look for any opportunity to desert and surrender. Most foreign mercenaries who are in Ukrainian captivity became prisoners of war during their first battle. All of them saved their lives.
"Russia is trying to recruit people from many countries. Ukraine will continue to provide information about the regions and countries from which the Russian army recruits foreign citizens, as well as about foreigners who end up in our captivity," the Foreign Minister added.
Russia plans to create a single platform for graduates of its universities from Africa to coordinate their activities in promoting the Russian language and forming a positive image of its country abroad.
The creation of the platform will allow the Russian authorities to institutionalize educational influence, turning graduates into agents of cultural and political influence capable of promoting pro-Russian ideas and forming loyal elites in African countries.
