Zimbabwe confirms 15 nationals killed after being lured to fight for Russia

Zimbabwe has confirmed that 15 of its citizens have died after being deceived into joining the war between Russia and Ukraine , as authorities step up efforts to bring back 66 others still in the conflict zone.

Information Minister Zhemu Soda said victims were lured by fraudulent employment agencies offering lucrative jobs through social media , only to be stripped of travel documents and forced into frontline combat. “They receive minimal training and are placed in life-threatening situations. Families are left with no support, and promised wages are often unpaid,” Soda said.

This deceptive recruitment affects multiple countries, including South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria , where citizens have been misled with false promises of civilian jobs, scholarships, or security training in Russia. Many lose their passports, are coerced into combat, and are abandoned by recruiters, leaving families helpless.

In South Africa, 11 men recently returned home after being recruited, with authorities confirming two deaths. Kenya reports that up to 1,000 citizens were recruited, with several injured, missing, or killed. Ukrainian officials estimate more than 1,700 Africans may have been recruited by Russia, while The Associated Press in 2024 found organized networks targeting workers in Africa and Asia through social media ads and private agencies.

Zimbabwe , which maintains close ties with Russia, is now focused on repatriating survivors and the bodies of the deceased , seeking accountability for its citizens. Soda warned other African nations to remain vigilant: “These fraudulent agencies exploit social media to hunt for victims. Awareness and timely intervention are critical to prevent further tragedies.”

The incident underscores a growing global pattern, turning what appear to be legitimate overseas jobs into deadly traps, and highlights the urgent need for governments and families to protect citizens from falling prey to such schemes.