Promised jobs but sent to front: Kenya raises outcry over Russia’s actions
Photo: Russia continues recruiting citizens of African countries for the war (Getty Images)
Kenya has accused Russia of extensively recruiting its citizens to fight in the war against Ukraine. The country’s Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, announced a visit to Moscow to put an end to this practice, according to a statement from the Center for Countering Disinformation.
"Russia’s recruitment of foreigners has long become systematic. Most recruits from African countries have no military experience and are deceived into signing contracts with promises of legal and well-paid jobs," the statement reads.
It is noted that after signing the contract, people are sent to the most dangerous sections of the front line.
"As reported by four Kenyans who recently returned from the front injured, one thought he would work as a salesperson, two as security guards, and the fourth as a high-level athlete. In total, over the past two months, more than 30 Kenyans have been evacuated from Russia," the Center said.
In this way, Russia is trying to compensate for losses on the front line and avoid social tensions within the country. The Center for Countering Disinformation emphasized that such actions by the Russians directly contradict their propaganda statements in Africa.
In particular, Russia positions itself as opposing the "colonial West" and claims to "respect Africa," while in reality it uses Africans as a resource for its war against Ukraine.
Mercenaries in the Russian army
Recently, in the Donetsk region, a foreign mercenary from the Philippines fighting on the side of the Russian occupation forces was eliminated.
In addition, soldiers of the Skelya 425th Separate Assault Regiment of the Ukrainian Ground Forces captured two Colombian citizens in Pokrovsk who were fighting for the Russian forces.
Ukrainian intelligence also released further evidence of Russia’s war crimes. In an intercepted conversation, the commander of the Colombian mercenaries fighting for Russia gave orders to open fire on Ukraine’s civilian population, including women and children.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that South African citizens were deceived into serving in the Russian army and participating in combat operations against Ukraine. They were forced to work in trenches in freezing conditions, left without water and proper food for extended periods, and made to hide from drone attacks.
