Relatives of Africans recruited to fight in the Russia–Ukraine war pray and protest outside Kenya’s Parliament for clarity on officials’ role in the recruitment, Nairobi, March 5, 2026.
For a long time, Africa expected the fallout from the Ukraine war to come through food shortages and higher fuel prices. A more complex risk is now emerging: mental health strain and the potential return of trained fighters.
Estimates of Africans drawn into the Russia-Ukraine war vary. Some suggest up to 2,700 have been recruited by Russia, while others indicate Africans are also fighting on Ukraine’s side.
