Ukraine President Zelensky
President William Ruto held a phone conversation with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday, focusing on the plight of young Kenyans lured into fighting for Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war.
The leaders expressed deep concern over the illegal recruitment tactics targeting Kenyan nationals and pledged joint efforts to combat them.
Ruto highlighted the dangers of such deceptions in a public statement following the call.
Reports of Kenyans being tricked into the conflict have surged in recent months.
In September, Kenyan police dismantled a trafficking syndicate promising jobs in Moscow but delivering recruits to Russian frontlines.
By October, Ukraine's forces captured at least one Kenyan fighter, who claimed he was duped by false job offers, prompting alarms from Nairobi's Foreign Ministry about "unscrupulous methods" used by recruiters.
Among the victims was a former Kenyan athlete, coerced into combat after promises of security work abroad.
The conversation showed bilateral ties amid the crisis.
Ruto stated, "We expressed concern over young Kenyans who have been illegally recruited to fight in the war in Ukraine, and agreed to raise awareness of the dangers of such ventures."
He added that he requested Zelenskyy's assistance in releasing any Kenyans held in Ukrainian custody, a plea the Ukrainian leader promptly accepted.
Zelenskyy echoed the sentiment from Kyiv, noting that both nations recognize the threat posed by Russia's aggressive recruitment of foreigners.
"Ukraine and Kenya are aware of numerous cases of deception and coercion of citizens from African countries, including Kenya, to participate in the criminal war against Ukraine," his office explained in a readout of the call.
The presidents also touched on broader mutual interests, with Ruto commending Ukraine's upcoming Food Summit as a vital platform for global food security discussions.
This dialogue marks a proactive step for Kenya in protecting its diaspora from opportunistic war profiteers.