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Deceived African Troops Used as Cannon Fodder in Ukraine

1/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Russia is accused of deceiving African troops into joining its forces in Ukraine and treating them as expendable.
Ukrainian ambassador Olexander Scherba described African recruits as "meat for the meat grinder."
Reports say many African nationals were lured by false promises of lucrative jobs.
Kenyan athlete Evans Kibet, among those deceived, was forced to the front lines, escaped, and sought help from Ukrainian soldiers.

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Story summary

Russia is accused of deceiving African troops into joining its forces in Ukraine and treating them as expendable.
Ukrainian ambassador Olexander Scherba described African recruits as "meat for the meat grinder."
Reports say many African nationals were lured by false promises of lucrative jobs.
Kenyan athlete Evans Kibet, among those deceived, was forced to the front lines, escaped, and sought help from Ukrainian soldiers.