Kenyan Athlete Captured by Ukrainian Forces After Being Tricked into Russian Military
A Kenyan track and field athlete has been captured by Ukrainian soldiers after allegedly being duped into joining the Russian army.
The man, who goes by Evans, was arrested near Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region during operations by Ukraine’s 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade, the unit said on Tuesday, September 17.
According to the brigade’s press service, Evans said he had travelled to Russia earlier this year with three other Kenyans. The trip was organised by a sports agent who promised a fully funded tourist trip to Saint Petersburg.
What was supposed to be a holiday turned into a nightmare. The group’s handler convinced them to stay in Russia under the guise of work opportunities. Evans said he unknowingly signed documents in Russian which later turned out to be a military contract.
“I didn’t know what I was signing. Later they told me I had already signed and I had no other options,” Evans said in an interview.
He tried to refuse when he realised what the documents were but was told that defying the contract would cost him his life. After being taken to a military camp, Evans underwent a week of basic training which he described as chaotic and scary.
The Russian commanders and trainers didn’t speak English and used physical force to instruct recruits. “They give me that, they call it ‘avtomat’, this is the only thing they gave to me,” he explained, referring to an assault rifle.
Evans said there were other foreigners in his unit and that Russia was recruiting vulnerable people from abroad into their war.
The Kenyan athlete escaped while being taken to his first combat mission in northern Kharkiv. He spent two days wandering alone in the forests near Vovchansk looking for Ukrainian troops to surrender to.
When he finally met soldiers from the 57th Brigade he was treated kindly. “They received me warmly,” he said, tears in his eyes.
Despite the relief, Evans begged Ukrainian authorities not to swap him for another prisoner. “I will die there,” he pleaded.
The 57th Brigade confirmed Evans is in their custody and said his case is being handled in accordance with Ukrainian and international law, in coordination with relevant authorities.
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Kenyan Athlete Captured by Ukrainian Forces After Being Tricked into Russian Military