Ukraine is ready to assist Botswana regarding recruitment of its citizens by Russia
The head of the Ukrainian ministry, Andrii Sybiga, stated that Ukraine is open to cooperation with Botswana concerning the possible recruitment of its citizens by Russia to participate in the war.
This was posted by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga on the social network X.
“Ukraine has taken note of the statement by the Ministry of International Relations of the Republic of Botswana dated February 26 regarding reports of Botswanan citizens being recruited by Russia to participate in the war against Ukraine. We welcome the efforts of the Government of Botswana to coordinate with the relevant authorities. Ukraine remains open to bilateral dialogue on this issue,” Sybiga said.
Sybiga invited the Ministry of International Relations of Botswana to officially raise this issue with the Ukrainian authorities in accordance with Botswana’s long-standing practice of consulting with all relevant parties.
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister assured readiness to provide available information and assessments based on Ukrainian intelligence data, which could complement information obtained from other sources.
“Ukraine’s position remains unchanged: the participation of foreign nationals in Russia’s war in Ukraine has serious and often fatal consequences. In addition, the participation of Botswanan citizens in foreign armed conflicts as mercenaries is prohibited under Botswana’s national legislation,” the minister warned.
Russia has banned the recruitment of mercenaries from “friendly” countries.
In December, Russia recruited over 150 foreigners from 25 countries into its armed forces, and about 200 more are preparing to join, according to the head of the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko.
Citizens of Bangladesh are lured to Russia under the guise of civilian work and then forced to fight in Ukraine.
In Kenya, a network recruiting people for the Russian occupation army was uncovered.
