The Kremlin is accused of a systematic effort to recruit men from across Africa, often under false pretenses, to fight in its war against Ukraine. Reports indicate that hundreds, possibly thousands, have been enticed with promises of lucrative employment only to find themselves thrust into a brutal conflict with little to no training.
The scale of the operation came to light following reports of African soldiers appearing as prisoners of war in Ukraine, and increasingly, through the accounts of those who managed to escape the Russian military. Stephen Oduor, a Kenyan man who spoke under a pseudonym, described arriving in St. Petersburg in August 2025 expecting a plumbing job, only to be stripped of his belongings, outfitted in military clothing, and forced to sign documents in a language he didn’t understand. He soon realized he had been unwittingly conscripted into the Russian armed forces.
Oduor’s experience is not isolated. Investigations suggest that over 200 Kenyans and hundreds of other African nationals have been trafficked to Russia with similar false promises. The practice has sparked outrage, with Kenya’s Foreign Minister labeling Russia’s actions as using its citizens as “cannon fodder” and announcing a planned visit to Moscow to address the issue. , the Kenyan government is seeking answers and demanding an end to the recruitment of its citizens.
Vincent Gaudio, co-founder of INPACT, a collective tracking the involvement of foreign fighters in the conflict, has been investigating the phenomenon. According to a list provided by the Ukrainian collective “I Want to Live,” at least 1,417 African fighters have been identified, with over 300 confirmed deaths. Gaudio cautions that the actual numbers could be significantly higher. “We received this list as is, written in Cyrillic, from the Ukrainian collective ‘I Want to Live.’ It’s based on prisoner records. The exact number could be higher, we can’t confirm or deny that. Other organizations, like the IFRI, estimate around 4,000 people,” he stated.
The mortality rate among these recruits is alarmingly high, estimated at 22 percent, excluding those wounded or missing. This suggests a pattern of deploying these fighters in the most dangerous sectors of the front lines, often in waves of assaults designed to overwhelm Ukrainian defenses. Reports indicate many are assigned to units engaged in direct combat, with little to no opportunity for advancement or specialized roles.
The recruitment methods are varied. Some are targeted through direct advertisements offering high salaries – a significant draw for individuals facing economic hardship in their home countries. Others are lured with promises of educational opportunities, particularly in technical fields. A disturbing trend involves individuals being tricked into signing contracts in Russian, unaware they are enlisting in the military. Some reports suggest individuals with prior military experience, particularly those who fought against groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, are being actively recruited, seeking to capitalize on their skills for financial gain.
Egypt appears to be the most heavily affected country, with 361 identified departures. This is attributed to the challenging economic conditions and limited job prospects within Egypt. The marketing campaigns targeting Egyptians often feature aggressive, militaristic imagery and highlight the substantial difference in potential earnings compared to local wages – the minimum wage in Egypt was approximately $128 in 2024, while some recruitment offers promise upwards of $2,500 per month.
While the recruitment began in 2023, the rate of enlistment appears to be accelerating. The potential for a slowdown exists as African nations respond to the situation, but the underlying economic factors driving individuals to seek opportunities abroad remain a significant challenge. There are reports of some returnees, primarily from Kenya and Cameroon, beginning to share their experiences, and families are increasingly seeking information about loved ones who traveled to Russia.
The response from African governments has been varied. Kenya is taking a firm stance, demanding accountability from Russia. Cameroon is reportedly concerned about the potential for returning fighters to destabilize the country. However, the effectiveness of these responses remains uncertain. Gaudio suggests that simply dismantling recruitment agencies, while relatively easy, will not solve the problem. “The real challenge for these countries is addressing the underlying issues that drive their citizens to seek opportunities elsewhere. You won’t stop people from looking for a better future.”
The situation highlights a disturbing trend of Russia exploiting economic vulnerabilities in African nations to bolster its military ranks in Ukraine. The practice raises serious ethical and legal concerns, and underscores the human cost of the ongoing conflict. The long-term implications for both the affected African nations and the broader geopolitical landscape remain to be seen.
