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Like a “Death Sentence”: 1,436 African Mercenaries From 36 Nations Fight—and Die—for Russia

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Photo of Vlad Litnarovych
Vlad Litnarovych
News Writer
Illustrative image. African mercenaries in the service of the Russian Armed Forces somewhere in Ukraine. (Source: markito0171/X)
Illustrative image. African mercenaries in the service of the Russian Armed Forces somewhere in Ukraine. (Source: markito0171/X)

At least 1,436 citizens from 36 African countries are fighting in the ranks of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported on November 7.

According to Sybiha, that figure includes only those positively identified, and the actual number may be higher.

“According to available information, at least 1436 citizens from 36 African countries are currently fighting in the ranks of Russia’s invasion army in Ukraine. The number represents those identified, though the actual number could be higher,” Sybiha said.

The Ukrainian diplomat warned that Russia recruits foreign nationals through deceit, coercion, and financial incentives, calling such contracts “a death sentence.”

“Russia recruits nationals of African countries using a variety of methods. Some are offered money, while others are duped and do not realize what they are signing up for or are forced to do so under duress. Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence,” Sybiha wrote.

He described the grim fate awaiting most foreign recruits, saying they are often sent straight into so-called “meat assaults”—suicidal infantry attacks with extremely high casualty rates.

“Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called ‘meat assaults,’ where they are quickly killed. The Russian command understands that there will be no accountability for the killed foreigner, so they are treated as second-rate, expendable human material. Most mercenaries do not survive more than a month,” Sybiha stated.

The Ukrainian official urged African governments to issue public warnings discouraging their citizens from joining Russia’s military effort, calling it “illegal, immoral, and a violation of the UN Charter.”

“I urge all African governments to issue public statements warning their citizens against joining the Russian invasion army. Fighting for Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine is illegal, immoral, and violates the UN Charter and international law,” he said.

Sybiha also addressed those already deployed, urging them to surrender to Ukrainian forces if possible.

“If you’ve already been deployed to the front lines, look for any opportunity to desert and become a prisoner of war. The majority of foreign mercenaries in our custody became prisoners of war during their first combat. They all saved their own lives. We treat POWs in accordance with all international humanitarian law standards,” he said.

He added that Ukrainian captivity “provides a ticket to life and the possibility of returning to your home country.”

Sybiha said Russia’s recruitment drive extends beyond Africa, and that Kyiv will soon publish details about other regions and nationalities whose citizens have been caught fighting for Moscow.

“We once again urge all governments to make every effort to disrupt Russian recruitment schemes and to inform their citizens that such activity is illegal,” he said.

Earlier, reports emerged that seventeen South African nationals were deceived into traveling to eastern Ukraine and compelled to take part in combat operations, according to a statement released by the South African government.

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