Russia's promises to African countries on halting recruitment proved to be a lie - Sybiha

Foreign Minister of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha commented on media reports of a growing number of Kenyan mercenaries in Russia’s occupation army, noting that African governments should counter recruitment rather than rely on agreements with Moscow that will be violated regardless.

"Another sad lesson on how Russia “respects” agreements. Its promises to the Kenyan side were simply lies. It is time not only for Kenya, but other governments across Africa to realize this and act decisively against illegal recruitment rather than asking Moscow for favours.," he wrote on X.

United 24 previously reported that Russia is increasingly involving Kenyan citizens in combat operations against Ukraine, with several of them killed.

The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defence Ministry notes that despite reports of agreements being reached between Moscow and several African countries to limit recruitment, the practice continues. Authorities have identified at least 2,965 citizens of African countries who have signed contracts with Russian armed forces.

As of August 2025, the deaths of at least 316 African recruits fighting on Russia’s side had been confirmed, though Ukrainian officials believe the actual figure is significantly higher.

The largest numbers of recruits are believed to come from Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Algeria, Mali, South Sudan and South Africa.

It was previously reported that in March Kenya said Russia had agreed to halt the recruitment of its citizens after more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited, according to Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

In early April, Cameroon Foreign Minister Lejeune Mbella Mbella announced on state television that 16 Cameroonian citizens had been killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine.