Trending 
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that over 1,700 Africans are fighting on the side of Russia in the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag African citizens into a deadly war. According to our data, there are currently over 1,780 citizens from the African continent fighting in the Russian army,” said Sybiha.
Sybiha made this statement while speaking alongside Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday. Sybiha also accused the Russian Government of tricking Africans into fighting in the war.
Investigations have revealed that Russia allegedly lured Africans into fighting on its side in the war under false pretence. Some of the Africans disclosed that they were promised job offers in Russia, only to be deployed into the war with little military training.
The Ghanaian Foreign Minister echoed the findings of recent investigations.
“They have no security background. They have no military background. They have not been trained. They were just lured and deceived, and then put on the frontlines,” said Ablakwa.
An intelligence report presented to Kenya’s parliament also revealed that the Russian Government has deployed over 1000 Kenyans to fight in its war with Ukraine, which is now in its fourth year.
The Kenyan Government criticised Russia for using its nationals as “cannon fodders”. Russia has vehemently denied these allegations
Sybiha noted that discussions are currently ongoing among governments of African countries on how to prevent their citizens from being drawn into similar situations.
While calls for a permanent ceasefire to the war intensify, Ablakwa expressed solidarity with Ukraine.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged remains of troops slain in the war on Wednesday. Analysts say this move is a sign of cooperation between the two war-torn countries.
