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Togolese Citizens Captured in Ukraine While Fighting for Russia, Togo Foreign Ministry Says

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Ivan_khomenko
Ivan Khomenko
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Togolese Citizens Captured in Ukraine While Fighting for Russia, Togo Foreign Ministry Says
Russian POWs at a detention camp in Ukraine, March 7, 2024. Illustrative photo. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian forces have captured several citizens of the Republic of Togo who were fighting on the side of Russian forces.

According to an official statement from Togo’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, many of the detainees, including students, arrived in Russia through scholarship programs reportedly offered by Russian institutions.

Togo’s Foreign Ministry stated that the individuals were misled with offers of education opportunities abroad, only to later find themselves involved in military operations in Ukraine.

The government urged its citizens, particularly young people, to thoroughly verify the legitimacy of foreign study offers and to consult relevant national authorities before accepting any such opportunities, especially in Russia.

The Ministry confirmed it is currently working with diplomatic partners to clarify the circumstances and provide assistance to those affected. It emphasized the importance of obtaining accurate and secure information prior to any travel abroad.

Ukraine has not issued an official statement regarding the capture, but sources indicate the individuals were taken prisoner during combat operations in eastern Ukraine.

According to the battalion, the individual claimed he had been studying in Russia for two years and intended to travel to Germany. He said an acquaintance misled him into crossing into Ukraine with promises of an easier route to Europe.

Togo’s Foreign Ministry has reiterated its warning to citizens to exercise caution and seek verified information before engaging in international opportunities, particularly those involving travel to or through Russia.

Earlier, South Korea’s intelligence service reported that around 600 North Korean soldiers had been killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, primarily in the Kursk region. Pyongyang has confirmed the deployment, with troops sent under direct orders from Kim Jong Un. In exchange, North Korea reportedly received Russian support for its weapons programs, including spy satellites and drones.

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