(MENAFN- UkrinForm) He stated this in a post on social network X, Ukrinform reports.

"According to available information, at least 1436 citizens from 36 African countries are currently fighting in the ranks of Russia's invasion army in Ukraine. The number represents those identified, though the actual number could be higher," Sybiha noted.

He added that Russia recruits African nationals through various means: some are offered money, others are deceived and do not realize what they are signing up for, and some are forced under pressure.

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"Signing a contract is equivalent to signing a death sentence," he warned.

Sybiha pointed out that foreign citizens in the Russian army face a grim fate: most are immediately sent on so-called "meat assaults," where they are quickly killed, so the majority of mercenaries do not live more than a month. The minister noted that there are two ways to avoid such a fate.

"First, do not be recruited and do not sign any documents with Russian authorities... Second, if you've already been deployed to the front lines, look for any opportunity to desert and become a prisoner of war," he said.

He called on all African governments to publicly warn their citizens against joining the Russian occupation army.

"Fighting for Russia in its war of aggression against Ukraine is illegal, immoral, and violates the UN Charter and international law," Sybiha emphasized.

He noted that Russia is attempting to recruit people from many countries, not only in Africa.

"We will provide more specific information about the regions and countries from which foreign citizens are recruited by the Russian occupation army and then taken captive. We once again urge all governments to make every effort to disrupt Russian recruitment schemes and to inform their citizens that such activity is illegal," he stressed.

As Ukrinform reported, the government of South Africa stated that it had received calls for help from 17 citizens participating in combat operations in Ukraine and is working to bring them home.

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