Evans Kibet, a 36-year-old Kenyan athlete, is being held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine after he says he was tricked into joining the Russian military while seeking athletic opportunities. Kibet claims he was lured to Russia under the guise of an all-expenses-paid athletics event, then conscripted into the army and sent to the front lines.
Foreign Fighters ‘Tricked by Russia’
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022, has resulted in devastating casualties, estimated in the hundreds of thousands on both sides. Russia’s ground assaults have been described as relentless, employing tactics likened to “meat grinder” operations.
Kibet is currently held in a cell in Western Ukraine, consisting of eight bunks, minimal furniture, and a barred window overlooking a concrete yard. Life in the prison camp is monotonous, consisting of reading, basic meals, and a limited hour of outdoor time. As winter approaches, the camp is becoming increasingly cold, a stark contrast to the climate of his native Kenya.
Kibet recounted how he was approached in Kenya with an offer for an all-expenses-paid trip to St. Petersburg to participate in an athletics “festival,” with an allowance and competition money. He admitted he didn’t inquire about the payment amount, excited by the opportunity to support his family.
After meeting with the man in Nairobi and traveling to Russia with other athletes, including a basketball player, Kibet was offered an extension to his visa and a one-year job. He signed a contract in Russian without fully understanding its implications, trusting the man who had made the offer.
He was then taken to an office, where he signed more paperwork and handed over his passport before being driven to the outskirts of the city and informed he had been conscripted into the Russian military. After a week of basic training, he was deployed to the front lines, finding himself in a foxhole amidst drones, missiles, and artillery fire.
Kibet ultimately ran towards Ukrainian soldiers, who discovered he was not a Russian fighter. Ukraine’s foreign ministry estimates that 1,436 Africans from 36 countries are fighting in Russia’s ranks.
Peter Yatsenko, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s prisoners-of-war camps, stated that dozens of non-Russians are being held in Ukrainian camps, many claiming they were deceived by Russia. He noted that Ukraine is open to negotiations with the prisoners’ countries of origin, but investigations may be necessary.
The Kenyan government has requested the return of 200 of its citizens fighting for Russia. Prisoner swaps are a key factor in Ukraine’s willingness to release foreign fighters, as they prioritize the return of their own soldiers.
Conditions in the Ukrainian POW camps are basic, with limited contact with families. Prisoners often lack the means to communicate with loved ones, leaving them uncertain of their fate. Atam, a Cameroonian teacher also held in the camp, shared a similar story of being lured to Russia with promises of work and unknowingly signing a contract that led him to the front lines.
Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has stated Moscow has “no need” for foreign fighters, but Ukraine estimates more than 18,000 foreigners are in Russia’s ranks. South Korea’s spy agency believes North Korea sent 10,000-12,000 soldiers to fight for Russia in 2024.
Dr. Joseph Seigle, a director of the Washington-based Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, explained that the Kremlin is increasingly targeting Africa for recruitment, exploiting economic vulnerabilities and offering financial incentives.
The governments of Kenya and Ukraine have been contacted for comment.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
