Charles Mutoka, a 72-year-old Kenyan, mourns his son Oscar Khagola Mutoka, a former soldier who traveled to Russia in summer 2025 seeking work. Despite his father's efforts to dissuade him, Oscar left without revealing his destination and later sent a photo in uniform before losing contact. His family learned of his death months later but, despite appeals to Kenyan authorities, could not recover his body. In May 2026, they held a symbolic memorial and created a makeshift burial site to have a place to pray. "The worst part is that I don't know if and where he was actually buried, or if his body was simply dumped in a forest in Russia," Charles Mutoka said.

Oscar Mutoka is among an estimated 27,000 or more foreign nationals recruited by Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to Ukraine's Defense Intelligence (HUR). While some recruits, like Oscar and another named Mendoza, likely knew they were going to fight, many others are reportedly deceived with promises of jobs in construction, security, logistics, or agriculture.

Media reports indicate Russia restricted recruitment from certain "friendly" countries in February 2026, but Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War believes Russia circumvents these restrictions by shifting recruitment focus to different countries. They estimate Russia could recruit up to 18,500 foreign nationals in 2026.

Reports from recruits describe harsh conditions, including being used as human shields and pushed into intense combat. One recruit pleaded, "I made a mistake. Forgive me. Please get me out of here quickly."

This recruitment targets individuals in economically, socially, and legally precarious situations, employing methods ranging from enticing offers to deception and coercion.

The case of Oscar Mutoka highlights the human cost and uncertainties faced by foreign nationals drawn into the conflict in Ukraine.

Sources