More than 1,400 African youths were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine between 2023 and 2025, with at least 316 killed on the battlefield, a new investigation by INPACT has found.
The group, which tracks Russian disinformation in Africa, says nationals from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda and South Africa were among those drawn into Moscow’s ranks.
“At least 1,417 Africans joined the ranks of the Russian army between 2023 and 2025, while no fewer than 316 lost their lives on the Ukrainian front,” the report stated.
The findings directly challenge repeated denials from Russian officials.
In December 2025, Natalia Krasovskaya told a press conference in Accra that African students in Russia were “safe,” describing Russia-Africa ties as “balanced and mutually beneficial.”
On February 10, 2026, Russian Ambassador to Nigeria Andrey Podyelyshev dismissed claims of Nigerian recruitment as “misleading and unrelated to the Russian government.”
But INPACT says testimonies from returnees and new data from multiple countries tell a different story.
The report suggests recruitment may have run through educational and cultural exchange channels, including “Russian Houses” — centres promoting Russian language, scholarships, and academic ties across Africa.
While these centres officially offer language training, visa support, and student placement, INPACT said concerns are rising that some “may also have served as contact points for recruitment into military service.”
Ghana appears heavily affected. The report cites academic partnerships with institutions like Novosibirsk State Technical University and alleges 272 Ghanaians joined the Russian military. At least 55 are reported killed in Ukraine.
Casualty numbers may be higher elsewhere. In Kenya, initial reports put deaths at 10. Updated figures now show at least 16, the report said.
The revelations are fuelling demands for answers from Russian missions and affiliated bodies in Africa.
Analysts say the report raises “urgent questions” about the safety of African students and job seekers heading to Russia, and the real purpose of some exchange programmes.
“Those overseeing such initiatives must provide clear explanations and assurances to African governments, families and the wider public,” observers told INPACT.
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