Ghana Appeals to Ukraine for Release of Nationals Captured While Fighting for Russia

Ghana has urged Ukraine to grant the humanitarian release of two Ghanaian nationals captured while fighting for Russia in the ongoing war.

During a rare visit to Kyiv, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa appealed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to show compassion and release the detainees. He described the two men as victims of manipulation, misinformation, and criminal trafficking networks that recruit foreign fighters.

Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has drawn in mercenaries and foreign nationals from multiple countries, including several African states. Ukrainian officials say more than 1,780 individuals from 36 African countries have been identified among Russian ranks, with some taken prisoner.

Ablakwa said Ghana had received assurances that the captured nationals were being treated in accordance with international law and were in good health. He expressed optimism that Ukraine would consider their release on humanitarian grounds.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga confirmed discussions on the matter and called on Ghana to intensify efforts to prevent its citizens from being recruited to fight for Russia, warning that such recruits are being sent into deadly combat.