Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) reports that Ayebusiwa Olabode Victor was killed in combat for Russia in the Kharkiv region. Victor was lured to Russia with promises of legal work, according to the intelligence agency. His death is not an isolated case but part of a systematic recruitment scheme that Russian recruiters specifically target at citizens of African countries.
According to HUR, the scheme begins with job ads on Facebook and WhatsApp. Interested individuals are issued visas and flown to Russia. There, their passports are confiscated, they are forced to sign military contracts, and eventually sent to the front line. “For dozens and hundreds of Nigerian citizens, job promises in Russia become a one-way ticket,” the intelligence agency said in a statement.
Victor’s case adds to reports of Russia’s attempts to recruit mercenaries from African countries for its war of aggression against Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities have previously pointed to similar cases. The Kremlin denies systematic forced recruitment, but the allegations are mounting.
Source: www.kyivpost.com
