Over 1,400 African nationals fighting for Russia in Ukraine war — FM Sybiha

Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha reported the information.

He emphasized that the statistic of 1,436 Africans represents identified individuals, and the actual number may be higher.

Sybiha stated that Moscow recruits citizens of African countries through various methods, including monetary payments and deception.

"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 a killed foreigner, so they are treated as second-class, expendable human material. Most mercenaries do not live longer than a month," Sybiha wrote.

The Ukrainian minister urged Africans not to sign contracts with the Russian army. He also advised them to seek any opportunity to desert and surrender if they have already reached the front lines.

"Most foreign mercenaries who are in Ukrainian captivity became prisoners of war during their first battle. All of them saved their lives. We treat prisoners of war in accordance with all standards of international humanitarian law. Ukrainian captivity provides a ticket to life and an opportunity to return to their home country," he stressed.

• The South African government has ordered a probe into how 17 of its nationals were allegedly lured into the Russia-Ukraine war under false promises of lucrative employment, as the trapped men issue desperate pleas to return home.