News|Russia-Ukraine warUkraine alleges Russia enlists more than 1,700 Africans to fightGhana’s foreign minister says many of the Africans are victims of deception, lured by ⁠the promise of jobs.

Ukraine has reported that Russia is allegedly enlisting over 1,700 individuals from African nations to participate in the ongoing conflict, now entering its fifth year. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha disclosed this information during a press briefing in Kyiv alongside Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The allegation involves the use of deceptive practices to recruit these foreign fighters.

According to Sybiha, Russia is employing fraudulent methods to involve African citizens in the conflict. The minister cited data indicating that over 1,780 African nationals are currently engaged in combat within the Russian military. These individuals originate from 36 different African countries. Russia, however, refutes claims of illegal recruitment from the African continent.

Foreign Minister Ablakwa noted that many Africans fighting for Russia were misled with promises of employment, without having any prior security or military training. He expressed support for Ukraine and called for a ceasefire. Additionally, Ablakwa requested the release of two Ghanaian nationals captured in Ukraine, who were allegedly fighting for Russia.

During Ghana's upcoming presidency of the African Union, the country intends to raise awareness about the trafficking networks exploiting African citizens for recruitment into the Russian armed forces.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy engaged in discussions with the Ghanaian minister on countering the recruitment of African nationals. South Africa has successfully repatriated 11 of its citizens who were reportedly misled into fighting for Russia. The issue of foreign recruitment is not limited to African nations; Russia has previously recruited soldiers from North Korea for operations in Ukraine.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.