The Russian embassy in Kenya has broken its silence in response to persistent accusations that Kenyans are being recruited to fight in Ukraine. In a strongly worded statement, the diplomatic mission denounced "a dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign," without, however, naming the alleged perpetrators of these allegations.

The embassy asserts "in the strongest possible terms" that it has no involvement, direct or indirect, in any "rogue recruitment schemes." The embassy also refutes "any collusion with entities or individuals who would coerce or entrap Kenyans under false pretenses."

These denials come as a report by Kenyan intelligence services, presented to parliament, suggests that more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals traveled to Russia before being sent to fight in the Russo-Ukrainian war. This figure is far higher than the 200 Kenyans previously mentioned by the authorities. According to the document, several of them were unaware that they would be deployed to the front lines.

Moscow, for its part, acknowledges the presence of foreign fighters in its ranks, but insists on their status as volunteers. Russian authorities present these deployments as proof that they are not isolated in the conflict.

Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia has been increasing its incentives for non-citizens. In January 2024, a decree signed by President Vladimir Putin granted Russian citizenship to any foreign combatant and their family after one year of service.

In its statement, the Russian embassy also indicated that bilateral agreements between Nairobi and Moscow, under discussion for several years, could be finalized soon. These agreements would focus in particular on labor migration, in a context where the issue of Kenyans leaving for Russia continues to raise questions and concerns among the Kenyan public.