Ambassador Ivan Kholostenko provided a comment to the media, expressing concern over cases of recruitment of African nationals into Russia’s war against Ukraine
Ambassador Ivan Kholostenko provided a comment to the media, expressing concern over cases of recruitment of African nationals into Russia’s war against Ukraine
15 April 2026 11:42
Key messages:
African citizens, particularly young people, are being misled by promises of education, employment, or travel opportunities abroad.
Upon arrival, many are coerced into signing military contracts and deployed to high-risk combat zones.
Ukraine is implementing humanitarian initiatives such as “I Want to Live” (a safe and lawful surrender mechanism in accordance with the Geneva Conventions) and “I Want to Find” (assisting families in establishing the fate of servicemen, including foreign nationals).
Ukraine urges African citizens to exercise caution and carefully verify any overseas offers that lack transparency.