Kenya and Russia agree on compensation

Following a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to cooperate with Nairobi on compensation claims for Kenyan citizens recruited into the Russian army to fight in Ukraine.

Defense attaché appointed for Kenyan citizens

A Kenyan defense attaché has been appointed to oversee the cases and facilitate the repatriation of survivors. This role involves working closely with Russian authorities to manage the return of affected individuals.

Kenya seeks compensation for its citizens

Kenyan President William Ruto seeks compensation for Kenyan citizens recruited into the Russian army. Following a meeting with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin in Moscow, he discussed efforts to facilitate the safe return of these individuals to Kenya.

Moscow commits to no longer recruit Kenyans

President Ruto welcomed Moscow's commitment to no longer recruit Kenyans. This commitment was previously mentioned in March during a visit by the Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Concerns over Kenyan citizens in Ukraine

This announcement comes as concern over the fate of its citizens sent to fight in the war waged by Russia against Ukraine continues to grow. In February, Kenyan intelligence services had stated before Parliament that more than 1,000 Kenyans had been recruited.

Continental impact of foreign recruitment

On a continental scale, at least 3,066 Africans have been recruited in 40 countries to fight. At least 502 deaths have been confirmed in June 2026. Kenya is the country with the largest number of identified recruits.