A 29-year-old Nigerian national has been captured by Ukrainian forces while serving in the Russian military, highlighting Moscow’s recruitment of foreign fighters through controversial deals with criminal defendants.
Kehinde Oluwagbemileke was taken prisoner in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region after fighting for Russian forces for five months, according to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project. This organization helps Russian soldiers and foreign fighters surrender safely.
The Nigerian had been living in Russia for four years when he faced drug-related criminal charges under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code. Instead of serving his full prison sentence, Oluwagbemileke reportedly accepted an offer to join Russia’s military operation in Ukraine in exchange for reduced penalties.
Pattern of Foreign Recruitment
“Kehinde is one of thousands of mercenaries from third countries recruited by Russia’s Defense Ministry to fight in Ukraine,” the “I Want to Live” project stated. The organization warned that foreign nationals are often deceived about the true risks and conditions they will encounter on the battlefield.
“They are treated as expendable manpower,” the group said, urging international governments to take action against Russia’s recruitment of their citizens.
Oluwagbemileke’s case reflects a broader pattern of Russia recruiting foreign nationals, often from vulnerable circumstances. Earlier this year, Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals who described similar experiences of coercion and disillusionment after joining Russian military ranks.
Ukrainian Warning to Foreign Nationals
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued direct appeals to potential foreign recruits, warning them against joining Russian forces. “We urge all foreigners to avoid joining the ranks of the Russian occupation army by any means,” a ministry representative said.
Instead, officials encourage anyone considering such arrangements to contact the “I Want to Live” project, which provides assistance and safe surrender options for those seeking to leave Russian military service.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about Russia’s recruitment tactics and the fate of foreign nationals drawn into the conflict through legal pressure or financial incentives.
