Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a strong warning to Ghana and 46 other countries, urging their governments to prevent citizens from being drawn into Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine.
Speaking during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy claimed that Russia is using nationals from 47 countries in its military campaign. He specifically mentioned Ghana, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Cuba, Belarus, Sudan and South Africa among the countries whose citizens have allegedly become involved in the conflict.
According to the Ukrainian leader, some foreign nationals ended up in Russia after being attracted by what he described as deception and misleading opportunities before eventually finding themselves connected to the battlefield.
Zelenskyy appealed directly to governments represented at the UN, urging them to protect their citizens and prevent Moscow from using foreign lives to sustain the war.
His remarks have particular significance for Ghana, where authorities have already been investigating reports that Ghanaian nationals were recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through alleged fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
In July, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said authorities were investigating reports involving 272 Ghanaian nationals, with information indicating that 55 may have died and two were being held as prisoners of war. Ghanaian officials also began engaging foreign authorities to verify the identities and welfare of those reportedly involved.
Zelenskyy’s latest statement has now brought renewed international attention to concerns over foreign recruitment as the Russia-Ukraine war continues.
The Ukrainian president urged the affected countries to take stronger measures to ensure their citizens are not pulled into the conflict, particularly through promises of employment or other opportunities abroad.
Russia has previously faced allegations that foreign nationals have been recruited or enlisted to support its military operations, while Moscow has maintained relationships with several foreign partners during the war.
Zelenskyy’s message at the UN was clear: governments should closely monitor recruitment activities and protect their citizens from becoming casualties in a war far from their home countries.
