Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, issued a direct warning to Ghanaians against being recruited by Russia to fight in the ongoing war, while emphasizing that Kyiv seeks partnership and opportunities rather than sending people to the battlefield.
Speaking in Kyiv during a bilateral meeting with Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Sybiha stated: “The Russians are dragging Ghanaians to their deaths, while Ukraine offers cooperation for life, opportunities in education and mutually beneficial projects.”
The Ukrainian top diplomat highlighted what Kyiv describes as Moscow’s active recruitment of African citizens—particularly from West African countries—to serve as mercenaries or contract soldiers in its forces fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian and Western intelligence have repeatedly accused Russia of targeting vulnerable young men in Africa with promises of high pay, citizenship prospects, or debt relief, only to deploy them in high-risk frontline roles with heavy casualties.
Sybiha contrasted Russia’s approach with Ukraine’s outreach: “Ukraine is ready to establish a food grain hub on its territory to support global stability,” he said, referring to plans to position Ukraine as a reliable supplier of agricultural commodities to African markets amid global food security concerns caused by the war and climate challenges.
The foreign minister praised Ghana’s consistent diplomatic support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, specifically citing Accra’s vote in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution “Support for a Sustainable Peace in Ukraine.” He described Ghana as “a strategic partner in West Africa” and reaffirmed Kyiv’s commitment to strengthening political dialogue, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties.
The meeting forms part of Ukraine’s broader diplomatic strategy to deepen relations with African nations, counter Russian influence on the continent, and secure support in international forums where Moscow has sought to portray itself as an anti-colonial partner to the Global South.
Both ministers expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as agriculture, education, technology transfer, and humanitarian demining. Discussions also touched on potential joint initiatives to address food insecurity, with Ukraine offering expertise in grain production and storage while seeking reliable African partners for long-term supply agreements.
No specific agreements were signed during the visit, but the talks underscored Ukraine’s intent to build resilient, mutually beneficial partnerships in Africa amid the protracted war and shifting global alignments.
The warning about Russian recruitment comes amid reports of hundreds of West African nationals—many from Ghana, Nigeria, and other countries—having been killed or wounded while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Ukrainian officials and independent investigators have documented cases of coercion, deception, and poor treatment of foreign fighters recruited through intermediaries in Africa.
