Russia denies reports of recruiting Kenyans for Ukraine war
By David Nthua, February 19, 2026Russian Embassy in Kenya has denied secretly sending Kenyans to Russia to fight as soldiers in the ongoing war with Ukraine.
The Embassy, in a statement on X on Thursday, February 19, 2026, said it had taken note of what it described as a coordinated propaganda campaign circulating in Kenyan media and public space.
In its message, the Embassy said claims linking it to illegal recruitment schemes were false and misleading.
Embassy refutes recruitment claims
“The Embassy of the Russian Federation has noted with great concern that a dangerous and misleading propaganda campaign has been unfolding in the Kenyan media and public space around cases of Kenyan citizens who travelled to the Russian Federation, joined the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and saw combat in the conflict in Ukraine,” the statement read.
The Embassy added that despite close contact between Russian and Kenyan authorities on related issues, recent reports had escalated into direct accusations against its staff.
“The Embassy refutes such allegations in the strongest possible terms,” it said.
According to the statement, the Government authorities of Russia “have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.”
It further clarified that at no point during the ongoing crisis in Ukraine had the Embassy issued visas to Kenyans who declared their intention to participate in what Russia refers to as the Special Military Operation in Ukraine.
“Nor has the Embassy been encouraging any Kenyan citizen to do so, let alone colluding with any entities or individuals to lure Kenyans into participating in the SMO under false pretext,” the statement added.
Voluntary enlistment and bilateral talks
However, the Embassy noted that Russian legislation does not prohibit foreign nationals from voluntarily enlisting in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation if they are in Russia on a legal basis and choose to do so.
The statement also emphasised that the Embassy remains open to “constructive and depoliticized dialogue” with the Government of Kenya to address concerns and strengthen cooperation.
It revealed that several bilateral draft agreements and protocols, including those related to labour migration, travel arrangements, and coordination between security agencies, have been under consideration for years.
The Embassy expressed hope that finalising such agreements would enhance cooperation and clarity on issues affecting citizens of both countries.