Ukraine's Kholostenko Alerts Nigerians on Russian Military Recruitment

Ukraine has issued a warning to Nigerians and other foreign nationals regarding the rising number of individuals reported missing after joining the Russian army. Ivan Kholostenko, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Nigeria, stated that families of these recruits are increasingly seeking assistance from Ukrainian humanitarian initiatives to locate their loved ones.

Many families are left uncertain about the fate of their relatives, who may be alive, captured, or killed in combat. Kholostenko noted that foreign recruits are often promised high salaries and opportunities but are instead sent to dangerous frontline operations with limited military training.

He expressed particular concern about recruitment networks operating in Africa, which lure individuals with false promises of employment and education. The ambassador claimed that foreign nationals make up about one in ten prisoners of war held by Ukraine, with recruitment activities spanning various regions, including Central Asia and Africa.

He criticized Russia for not prioritizing the return of captured foreign nationals.