The President of Kenya asked Zelensky to release captured Kenyans recruited by the Russian Federation
I appealed to President Zelensky to facilitate the release of Kenyans who are in custody in Ukraine. I am grateful. . . that he granted my appeal," Ruto wrote on the X social network. The conversation between the presidents took place November 6. The press service of the President of Ukraine reported the day before that Zelenskyi and Ruto discussed the recruitment of foreign citizens by Russia to participate in the war.
"Ukraine and Kenya are aware of all fraudulent methods and will work more closely to stop it," the President's Office said. On November 7, Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiga stated that Ukraine records the participation of citizens of African countries in hostilities on the side of Russia. "According to the available information, at least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are currently fighting in the ranks of the Russian invasion army in Ukraine.
These are those who have been identified, although the actual figure may be higher," he said. According to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia recruits people from Africa using various methods: "some are offered money, others are deceived and do not realize what they are signing up for, or are forced to do it under pressure. " Andriy Sybiga pointed out that foreign citizens in the Russian army have a "sad fate".
They are involved in the so-called "meat assaults", where they die quickly. Earlier, the government of the South African Republic announced that it had received a "distress signal" from 17 of its citizens who are currently at the frontline and participating in the war between Russia and Ukraine. We will remind, Focus wrote that students from the African country of Togo, a state in West Africa, were captured by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.