Ghana says at least 55 citizens killed after being lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine
Feb 27th 2026
Ghana says hundreds of its citizens have been lured into fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with at least 55 killed, as officials from several African countries raise alarms about deceptive recruitment networks and seek diplomatic and legal responses.
- Ghana foreign minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into fighting since 2022, with an estimated 55 killed and two taken prisoner.
- Ablakwa raised the issue in Kyiv and said Ghana will intensify public education and target dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating from within the country.
- Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries are fighting in the Russian army.
- Russian authorities deny illegally recruiting African citizens to fight in Ukraine.
- South Africa reported two citizens killed on the frontlines and said 17 men had been tricked into fighting for Russia, most of whom were repatriated.
- Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is under police investigation in South Africa over alleged involvement in luring men to Russia.
- Kenyan intelligence estimates more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited, Kenya says 27 citizens have been rescued, and its foreign minister plans to visit Russia in March.