15 Zimbabweans Killed After Being Lured by Russia With Fake Jobs to Fight Against Ukraine

Zimbabwean authorities have confirmed that 15 of their citizens have been killed after being recruited by Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine, while efforts are underway to return dozens more.

According to The Washington Post on March 26, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Information Zhemu Soda said the government is aware of 15 nationals who died after being sent to the front. He added that at least 66 Zimbabwean citizens remain alive, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to secure their return.

The individuals were recruited through fraudulent employment schemes that promised high-paying jobs abroad. Officials said these operations relied heavily on social media to target potential recruits.

“They receive minimal or no training and are placed in life-threatening situations. When they are injured, killed, or captured, the recruiters disappear, leaving families in Zimbabwe without information, support, or any means to hold anyone accountable,” the minister said.

Authorities stated that in many cases, those recruited had their travel documents confiscated and were forced into combat roles despite being promised civilian work. The government also noted that financial compensation promised to recruits was often not delivered.

Zimbabwe, which maintains diplomatic relations with Russia, is now working to repatriate both surviving citizens and the bodies of those killed, according to The Washington Post.

The case reflects a broader recruitment pattern beyond Zimbabwe. According to Le Monde on February 19, Russia has recruited more than 1,000 Kenyan citizens to fight in the war against Ukraine, using tourist visas and promises of salaries between €920 and €2,400.

Kenyan officials said recruits were routed through hubs such as Istanbul and Abu Dhabi via agencies in Nairobi, with some reported missing, deployed, hospitalized, or already repatriated. Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi said diplomatic steps are being prepared to address the issue with Moscow.

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At the same time, Russia is also targeting migrants already inside the country. According to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service on March 24, authorities are using legal pressure and the threat of deportation to push foreign nationals into military contracts.

The report states this system allows Russia to expand its manpower while maintaining the appearance of voluntary recruitment, echoing the deceptive schemes described by Zimbabwean officials.

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