Kenya moves to curb recruitment of its citizens in Russia-Ukraine war
Ruto said that they "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."
Kenya has acknowledged that some of its citizens have been lured by Russian-linked recruiters into the war in Ukraine and is now working with Kyiv to prevent further exploitation and secure those already detained.
President William Ruto said he had "a fruitful phone conversation with President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine", during which the two leaders discussed "various issues of mutual interest."
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He added that they "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."
Ruto said he had asked Zelensky "to facilitate the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody" and was "grateful to His Excellency for acceding to my appeal."
He also commended Ukraine for organising the forthcoming Ukraine Food Summit, which seeks to strengthen agricultural partnerships with Africa.
Zelensky, in a separate post on X, said he had a "productive conversation with President William Ruto," thanking him for his "warm words of support" and revealing that the two "touched upon the issue of Russia's recruitment of foreign citizens into its criminal war."
"We are aware of all the fraudulent methods being used and will work more closely to put an end to them," he added.
The Ukrainian leader also said the pair discussed "bilateral relations and joint projects," and that their teams would "continue working on them."
He noted that "this month, at the United Nations, Ukraine will submit a resolution condemning Russia's illegal abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children," thanking Nairobi for its expected backing.
Kenya had earlier opened diplomatic talks with Russia to secure the release and safe return of several Kenyans caught up in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, some reportedly held in Russian military camps.
Concerns over Kenyans being drawn into Russia's war in Ukraine have grown since DCI detectives dismantled a trafficking ring in Athi River in September.
The ring was recruiting job seekers under the guise of lucrative opportunities. During the operation, 22 Kenyans who were awaiting processing to travel to Russia were rescued.
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