Over 1,400 Africans Recruited in Russia-Ukraine War

An investigative report by the Impact Investigative Group reveals that over 1,400 African youths, including citizens from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, were allegedly recruited by Russian-affiliated agents to participate in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war between 2023 and 2025. The report indicates that at least 316 of these recruits lost their lives on the Ukrainian battlefield during this period.

This finding contradicts repeated denials from Russian officials, including Natalia Krasovskaya, who claimed that African students sent to Russia were safe, and Andrei Podyelyshev, the Russian ambassador to Nigeria, who described the recruitment claims as misleading. The report highlights that recruitment networks may operate through educational and cultural exchange channels, including institutions known for promoting Russian language and culture.

It cites that 272 Ghanaian nationals are believed to have served in the Russian military, with at least 55 reported deaths. The report raises concerns about the safety of African students and job seekers traveling to Russia amid increasing scrutiny of Russian diplomatic missions in Africa.