The Ukrainian MFA reached out to African mercenaries of the Russian army and suggested surrendering.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine expresses concern over the fact that Russians are hiring Africans to wage war against Ukraine, thereby increasing instability in various African countries. The Ukrainian MFA advises African mercenaries serving in the Russian army to approach the 'I Want to Live' project. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Russian mercenaries cause irreparable harm to the stability and security of African countries, fuel internal contradictions and conflicts, lead to increased human losses, engage in illegal mining and expropriation of valuable minerals in these states to finance Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine

The MFA of Ukraine reports that Africans and people from the Middle East whom Russia lures into war against Ukraine by deceit or coercion often end up as prisoners. The Ministry urges such foreigners to avoid service in the Russian army, and if sent to the front, to voluntarily surrender to the Armed Forces of Ukraine through the 'I Want to Live' initiative to preserve their lives. The MFA condemns Russia's use of mercenaries from these countries as 'cannon fodder' in the war against Ukraine.

We call on the governments of friendly countries in Africa and the Middle East to publicly condemn Russia's actions and take all possible measures to stop this criminal practice

Earlier, the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine reported that mercenaries from a South Asian country are fleeing the Russian army en masse due to reasons such as non-payment of promised money, commander mistreatment, and heavy losses during assaults.

Since the start of Russia's aggression in Ukraine, the Russian side has been actively recruiting foreigners. These are mainly people from impoverished countries to whom Putin promises citizenship and decent compensation for war crimes against the Ukrainian people. However, according to the press service of the Main Intelligence Directorate, most mercenaries from Syria will never return home.

Recently, it became known that in Donetsk, Cuban mercenaries in the Russian army eliminated their commander due to his humiliating treatment.