Ukrainian govt says foreign soldiers weren’t manipulated to join its army

The Ukrainian government has admitted it has foreign “fighters” in its army, but it said, unlike Russia, they were not manipulated to join it.

Kyiv’s statement comes on the back of claims by 17 South African men who said they were duped by the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party to fight for Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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In February 2022, Russia began its full-scale invasion into Ukraine, resulting in a bloody war that has killed thousands of people from both nations.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been described as a proxy war, representing multiple interests that stretch beyond the two countries.

This also plays out in the battlefield, with Russia having fighters from a number of African countries and North Korea.

Ukraine’s military ombudspersonOlha Reshetylova said they have also been forced to get outside help.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have so many resources as Russians have, so many of those who joined Ukrainian defence forces are people who share our values, who are joining Ukrainian armed forces because they feel they need to help Ukraine or the democratic world to protect it together with Ukrainian defence forces.”

EWN understands a majority of foreign soldiers fighting for Ukraine are from European Union countries, where mercenary activities are illegal.