The government of Botswana has announced that an alarming number of citizens are being lured by deceptive methods to Russia, where they are forced to fight in the war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Botswana has issued a statement warning about the recruitment of its citizens in Russia through deceptive methods, where they are forced to participate in combat operations in Ukraine. Authorities have observed an alarming increase in the number of people drawn in this way, receiving desperate calls from citizens on the front line, describing dangerous conditions. Although no details have been provided about the exact number of citizens from Botswana involved, in December the government reported the recruitment of at least two young people. In recent months, several African states have reported similar cases, and the organization 'All Eyes on Wagner' has documented the recruitment of over 1,400 Africans by Russia, with a significant number of deaths among them. The conflict in Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022, continues despite diplomatic efforts for resolution.