Putin's global mercenary hunt: African soldier caught in Ukraine
Vladimir Putin is recruiting mercenaries from around the world to continue the invasion in Ukraine. Soldiers from the 49th Separate Assault Battalion have recently apprehended a soldier from Senegal. A recording of this event has surfaced on social media.
According to reports from the 49th Separate Assault Battalion, a mercenary from Senegal was captured in the Toretsk area of the Donetsk region. A video was released showing the soldier who, despite his distant origins, chose to fight on Russia's side.
In the video, Ukrainians noted that the African soldier was in tears during his capture. In the recorded conversation, the mercenary indicated that he had studied for two years in Russia. During his time there, he met someone who was fighting on the front lines for money. It was likely this acquaintance who enticed him with the prospect of earning rubles to join the Russian forces. Upon capture, Russian credit cards were found on him. He confessed to the Ukrainians that he aimed to earn money and eventually move to Europe, specifically Germany.
The recruiter assured the Senegalese man that reaching Europe wouldn't be difficult. "If you are in Ukraine, you can get to Europe," the mercenary recalled. Ultimately, the African was captured and is now in Ukrainian custody.
War in Ukraine. Russia seeks mercenaries worldwide
It's not news that Vladimir Putin is recruiting mercenaries globally. Recently, Ukrainians captured two Chinese nationals, which underscores the wide net Russia is casting. It's well-known that soldiers from North Korea have effectively joined the conflict on Russia's side.
Enlisting recruits from Africa isn't a new strategy. As early as May 2024, defence24.pl analyzed that Russia was recruiting Africans who were living, working, or incarcerated within its borders. But that’s not all; the Kremlin began seeking volunteers in Central African countries, where its influence and mercenaries are present. These Africans are being offered compensation in exchange for fighting in Ukraine for the aggressor. "A special unit overseeing recruitment in Africa was said to have been formed in the Russian Ministry of Defense," reported defence24.pl.
What's driving this recruitment strategy? Firstly, Russia is employing a tactic to gain numerical superiority over Ukrainian forces, often referred to as "meat assaults," which lead to substantial losses for Russian units. Therefore, a large number of mercenaries is required, and Africa, with its significant population, presents opportunities. Russia leverages its influence in the region by offering weapons and training in exchange for mercenaries. Unlike Western and Central European countries, African nations tend to maintain closer ties with the Kremlin.
Secondly, Putin is reluctant to draft native Russians from large cities, as this could suggest that the situation on the front lines isn’t going as desired by the Kremlin dictator. The average resident of Moscow might be alarmed if conscription appeared more imminent.
