President William Ruto held a fruitful phone conversation with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, about Kenyans joining the Ukrainian military.

The duo discussed various issues of mutual interest between Kenya and Ukraine as well as their citizens.

Speaking on November 6th, 2025, Ruto said young Kenyans were illegally recruited to fight war in Ukraine without their awareness.

“We expressed concern over young Kenyans who have been illegally recruited to fight in the war in Ukraine, and agreed to raise awareness of the dangers of such ventures,” said Ruto.

According to Ruto, he asked Zelensky to release Kenyans who are held in Ukrainian custody, and he accepted the request.

“I have requested President Zelensky to facilitate the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody. I am grateful to His Excellency for acceding to my appeal,” he revealed.

Ruto also appreciated President Zelensky for the Ukraine Food Summit his country is set to host later this month.

Also Read: Details Emerge from KDF–Egyptian Military Meeting in Nairobi

How Kenyans Were Tricked to Fight in Ukraine – Russia War

Kenyan Foreign Ministry said many young people were lured by recruiters into fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

The Ministry also said agents who are corrupt and ruthless tricked them into traveling to Russia for jobs and unknowingly find themselves in the Russian military operation.

“The system has been made complicated by the agents who masquerade as working with the Russian Government and use unscrupulous methods, including falsified information to lure innocent Kenyans into the battlefield,” the Ministry said.

Additionally, the Foreign Ministry said Kenya is working to sign a labor agreement with Russia aimed at giving Kenyans access to “genuine job opportunities in Russia.”

Also Read: How Kenyan Tricked Foreigner in Ksh36.2 Million Scam

Kenyans in Russia -Ukraine War

However, the Foreign Affairs Public Secretary, Korir Sing’Oei, said the rescue and repatriation of Kenyans trapped in the conflict is underway.

“Pleased to inform of the rescue and repatriation of three Kenyans: Shaquille Wambo, Pius Mwika, and Derick Njaga by our Mission in Moscow. The three are safe and on their way home to their families. Our Mission and our teams at headquarters are doing what we can to address the situation of those captured as prisoners of war. I thank Ambassador Peter Mathuki and the team,” Korir wrote on X.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

A photo of troops in the Russia-Ukraine war for illustration purposes. PHOTO/G.