The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has taken note of the press release from the Ministry of International Relations of Botswana dated December 15 regarding reports of two citizens of Botswana who are believed to have fallen victim to deceptive recruitment schemes related to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
It is upsetting that young citizens of Botswana may have become victims of deception and promises aimed at drawing them into a foreign war. Russia, in order to maintain its aggressive activities against Ukraine, is resorting to recruiting foreign citizens, including those from African countries, by making false promises of training or employment.
Organized systemic recruitment policy
The fact that such a recruitment process involves the signing of contracts and collaboration with Russian military structures indicates the involvement of state institutions of Russia. This process is part of an organized and systemic policy implemented by the Russian state apparatus within the framework of the war against Ukraine, violating international law and human rights standards.
'Ukraine insists that the youth of Botswana should not become victims of an illegal war against a sovereign state. They should not be drawn into conflicts through manipulation, coercion, or financial incentives from foreign entities,' emphasized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine supports the actions of the Government of Botswana in verifying this information and protecting its citizens from dubious recruitment schemes. It is also important for the governments of African states to be vigilant in detecting and preventing illegal recruitment organized by Russia.
Call to the governments of African states
Ukraine is ready to cooperate with Botswana and other countries in combating this phenomenon and regulating the situation. We urge the governments of African states to be attentive and respond to such actions by Russia, ensuring the protection of their citizens from being drawn into conflicts through cunning recruitment schemes.