Ukraine has accused Russia of exploiting Africa’s poor to fight its war, saying more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries are serving in the invasion force – many tricked or forced into combat.

According to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, intelligence indicates that at least 1,436 African nationals are fighting for Russia in Ukraine, though the true figure is likely higher.

He said the Kremlin uses “money, lies, and coercion” to recruit foreigners.

“Signing a contract [with Russia] is equivalent to signing a death sentence,” Sybiha wrote on X.

Most foreign recruits, he said, are sent straight into the so-called “meat assaults,” where they are treated as expendable and rarely survive longer than a month.

Sybiha urged African governments to publicly warn their citizens against joining Russia’s military, calling it illegal, immoral, and a violation of international law.

He also appealed to those already on the front lines: “Desert, surrender, save your life. Ukrainian captivity provides a ticket to live and return home.”

Kenya’s Foreign Ministry confirmed earlier that Kremlin-linked recruiters continue to lure Kenyans to Russia under false job promises, with many ending up detained in military camps.

The country’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi confirmed that “ruthless agents” posing as official intermediaries trick citizens into signing contracts they don’t understand.

In September, Kenyan authorities arrested a Russian embassy employee, Mikhail Lyapin, accused of recruiting local men as mercenaries, and a Kenyan accomplice helping channel recruits to the Russian army. Police are questioning at least 21 suspected recruits.

Nairobi says it is working to repatriate its citizens caught in the scheme but still plans to pursue a labor deal with Moscow to ensure “genuine job opportunities” for Kenyans.

Sybiha said Ukraine will soon release more information about other foreign nationals captured while fighting for Russia.

“We once again urge all governments to disrupt Russian recruitment schemes and to warn their citizens – fighting for Russia is both illegal and suicidal,” he said.