Overview
- Ukraine’s foreign minister said more than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries are serving with Russian forces, alleging many were drawn in through fraudulent promises of jobs or study.
- During a first-ever visit to Kyiv by a Ghanaian foreign minister, Ukraine pledged consular access to captured Ghanaians and affirmed compliance with international humanitarian law as Accra seeks their return.
- Ghana’s Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa urged a humanitarian release of two Ghanaian prisoners of war he described as victims of manipulation and said Accra will push anti‑trafficking awareness during its upcoming African Union chairmanship.
- South Africa says 15 of 17 recruited men have been repatriated with Russian assistance, two remain in Russia including one in hospital, and authorities are probing alleged payments tied to the scheme, including a claimed R14 million.
- South Africa confirmed two additional nationals died in a separate recruitment drive, while Kenya charged a suspected trafficker as research and reporting detail online lures offering pay, residency or education to funnel Africans into the war.