He Reached Europe—Then Got Caught: Carpathian Sich Captures Senegalese Fighter

Soldiers from the 49th Separate Assault Battalion Carpathian Sich have captured a Senegalese national fighting for Russian forces near Toretsk, the battalion’s press service reported.

A video released by the unit captures the detained man, who was reportedly taken prisoner during combat operations in the area.

According to the man, he had studied in Russia for two years and later planned to emigrate to Germany. He said he had found someone who offered to help him travel through Ukraine, claiming “it’s easy to get to Europe from here.”

The man was detained without resistance by two battalion soldiers. He had minor injuries to his left leg, which he said were caused by a Ukrainian drone strike.

African mercenaries in the Russian Armed Forces

Russia has been deploying young Africans to the frontlines in Ukraine, with some reportedly coerced into fighting under threat of deportation.

European officials say the Kremlin has forced thousands of migrants and foreign students into combat roles, using them to bolster manpower for offensive operations.

Russian authorities are said to be increasingly blackmailing African students and migrant workers, threatening not to renew their visas unless they join the military.

European sources also note that Moscow continues to recruit prisoners, and some African workers in Russia have been detained and presented with a choice: deportation or military service.

In some cases, individuals have reportedly bribed Russian officials to avoid being conscripted.

A year ago, reports emerged of a Russian unit tasked with recruiting mercenaries in several African nations, including Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Uganda.

Recruits are promised a monthly salary of $2,200, health insurance, and Russian citizenship for themselves and their families.