Russia agrees to stop recruiting Kenyans to fight in Ukraine
Mar 16th 2026
Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi said Moscow agreed to stop enlisting Kenyan citizens to fight in Ukraine and that consular help will be provided to those affected after talks in Moscow with Sergey Lavrov.
- Russia agreed not to enlist Kenyans through its Defence Ministry, Kenya’s foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi said.
- Mudavadi made the announcement sitting beside Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after talks in Moscow.
- Kenyan intelligence told lawmakers in February that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
- Ukraine estimated in February that 1,780 people from 36 African countries were fighting alongside Russian forces.
- Lavrov said enlistment was voluntary and did not mention the agreement, while Nairobi said it will organise consular assistance and investigate alleged trafficking networks.
Articles
- Kenya and Russia agree no Kenyans will be recruited for Ukraine war www.aljazeera.com
- Kenyans will no longer be enlisted to fight for Russia in Ukraine www.france24.com
- Ukraine war briefing: Russia agrees to stop recruiting Kenyans in fight against Kyiv www.theguardian.com