15 Zimbabweans Killed in Russia-Ukraine War Trafficking Scheme
At least 15 Zimbabweans have died in the Russia-Ukraine war after being duped into joining foreign military forces through suspected human trafficking syndicates.
Information Minister Soda Zhemu said employment agencies linked to criminal networks are luring Zimbabweans with promises of lucrative salaries before facilitating their recruitment into foreign armies. Authorities said recruiters used social media and fake job offers to attract victims with promises of high-paying work, only for them to be stripped of documents and deployed to conflict zones.
A total of 81 Zimbabweans were recruited, with 15 having died so far. The government has since engaged Russian authorities to facilitate the return of the 66 Zimbabweans still alive, as well as the repatriation of those who died. Officials described the scheme as exploitation and human trafficking, and said efforts were underway to dismantle the criminal networks involved.
InFocus
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Kenyans who were recruited to fight for Russia in the war against Ukraine are set to be granted amnesty upon returning home.
The announcement followed Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi's visit to Moscow, where both countries agreed to halt further recruitment and allow those unwilling to continue fighting to return. Authorities
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Ukrainian military intelligence has announced the identification of two Nigerians who died fighting for Russia in the ongoing conflict. In a statement, the Ukrainian military reported that the bodies of the two men, who were allegedly recruited in mid-2025, were recovered in the Luhansk region of Eastern Ukraine - a key frontline area.
In their communication with Nigerian authorities, Ukrainian officials provided
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More than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, according to a Kenyan intelligence report presented to lawmakers. The National Intelligence Service and rogue state officials colluded with human trafficking syndicates to target former soldiers, police officers, and unemployed youth with promises of high salaries and bonuses.
Kimani Ichung'wah, the leader of the majority in
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Irpin, Kyiv Oblast in Ukraine (file photo).
