Ukraine's FM says over 1,400 Africans recruited to fight for Russia in war

"Ukraine accuses Russia of luring recruits from Africa into suicidal' military contracts to bolster its war efforts. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has said that more than 1,400 people from 36 African nations are known to be fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, urging governments to warn their citizens against joining a conflict where they are quickly killed. Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate, Sybiha wrote on X. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called meat assaults', where they are quickly killed."

"Russia recruits nationals of African countries using a variety of methods. Some are offered money, while others are duped and do not realise what they are signing up for or are forced to do so under duress. Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence, he added. The minister's warning came as several African governments acknowledged cases of their citizens joining Russian forces in Ukraine."

"South Africa said on Thursday it was investigating how 17 of its nationals became involved with mercenary groups after the men issued distress calls seeking help to return home. President Cyril Ramaphosa said the South African men aged between 20 and 39 were lured into joining mercenary forces under the pretext of lucrative employment contracts and had issued distress calls after becoming trapped in the Donbas area of Ukraine."

Ukraine accuses Russia of luring recruits from Africa into suicidal military contracts to bolster its war efforts. More than 1,400 people from 36 African nations are identified as fighting for Russia in Ukraine, though the actual number may be higher. Many foreign recruits are reportedly sent immediately to deadly frontal assaults and do not survive beyond a month. Russia recruits Africans through monetary offers, deception and coercion. Signing a contract is described as equivalent to signing a death sentence. Several African governments have acknowledged cases of citizens joining Russian forces. South Africa is investigating 17 nationals who said they were lured under promises of lucrative employment and became trapped in the Donbas.

Read at www.aljazeera.com