More than 1,700 African citizens from 36 countries have been misled into fighting for Russia.
82% confidence
Foreign AffairsAfrica
Omissions
The figure of 1,700+ African fighters originates from Ukrainian government sources (Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha), not independent international verification
The specific claim about fighters being 'mostly without prior military training' could not be independently verified from available sources
The recruitment figures were reported by Ukrainian officials in February 2026, representing a snapshot in time during an ongoing conflict
The MEP did not attribute the claim to Ukrainian sources, which is the origin of this data
Sources
SecondaryReutersAccording to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, over 1,780 citizens from the African continent are fighting in the Russian army, from 36 African countries, with Ukraine accusing Russia of using deception to recruit
SecondaryAl JazeeraUkraine accused Russia of using deception to recruit more than 1,700 Africans to join its war effort, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stating over 1,780 African citizens are fighting for Russia