A Nigerian man fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine has been captured by a pro-Ukrainian Russian militia, shedding new light on the shadowy recruitment of foreign nationals by the Kremlin.
The man, identified as 29-year-old Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, was reportedly seized in the Zaporizhzhia region by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a group of Russian defectors now fighting on Ukraine’s side.
According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, which facilitates the surrender of Russian troops and foreign fighters, Kehinde had been living in Russia for four years. He was previously arrested on drug-related charges and faced prosecution under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code. Rather than serve time, he was allegedly offered a chance to join Moscow’s war effort in exchange for a reduced sentence, a common tactic increasingly used by Russian authorities.
“Kehinde is one of thousands of foreign mercenaries lured by Russia’s Ministry of Defense,” the project stated. “After five months on the battlefield, he was taken prisoner.”
The group warns that many of these foreign recruits are misled about what awaits them. Promised shorter prison terms and financial compensation, they are instead thrust into brutal combat zones with little support and treated, as the group describes, “like disposable manpower.”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a fresh warning to citizens of other countries: avoid joining Russian ranks at all costs. “We urge foreigners not to become tools in Russia’s illegal war,” a spokesperson said, encouraging those in danger of coercion to contact the “I Want to Live” initiative for help.
Other captured fighters have echoed Kehinde’s experience – tales of disillusionment, false promises, and a war far bloodier than they were told.
A video released by the Freedom of Russia Legion appears to show Kehinde recounting his ordeal.
