‘Russia is duping foreigners into its Ukraine war’
Kenyan relatives of victims recruited to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war pray near lit candles as they protest outside the Parliament buildings, Nairobi on March 5, 2026.
At least 59 Kenyans are among 485 Africans confirmed killed while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, according to Stop Russian Recruiters, as Amnesty International accuses Moscow of using deception and coercion to enlist economically vulnerable foreigners.
The rights organisation estimates that more than 28,000 foreign nationals from 135 countries have been recruited into Russia’s military since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with recruits allegedly lured by promises of lucrative civilian jobs, high salaries and Russian citizenship.
