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Kenya, Ukraine Address Illegal Recruitment of Young Africans

11/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Kenyan President William Ruto and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed illegal recruitment of young Kenyans to fight in Ukraine and agreed to raise awareness and seek the release of detained Kenyans.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said more than 1,400 African citizens from 36 nations fight for Russia, lured by deceptive contracts and facing grim fates.
South Africa is investigating how 17 of its citizens became involved with mercenary forces in Ukraine.

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Story summary

Kenyan President William Ruto and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed illegal recruitment of young Kenyans to fight in Ukraine and agreed to raise awareness and seek the release of detained Kenyans.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said more than 1,400 African citizens from 36 nations fight for Russia, lured by deceptive contracts and facing grim fates.
South Africa is investigating how 17 of its citizens became involved with mercenary forces in Ukraine.