Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Ghana and 46 other countries to take urgent steps to prevent their citizens from being recruited into Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Speaking to world leaders at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelensky said nationals from several countries had ended up fighting on Russia’s side on the front lines.
He named Ghana, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nepal, Tajikistan, India, Yemen, Cuba, Belarus and Sudan among the countries whose citizens have reportedly been deployed in the conflict.
Zelensky said while some foreign nationals joined Russia’s military voluntarily, others were recruited through what he described as “deception and tricks.”
His warning comes amid reports that 62 Ghanaians have been killed in the war, while another 15 are still missing.
Reports also indicate that some Ghanaian nationals were allegedly lured to Russia under false pretences before being forced into military service.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine has also received formal requests from several foreign governments seeking the release and return of specific citizens being held as prisoners of war.
The Ukrainian president used his address to appeal directly to the governments of the 47 countries, urging them to act before more of their citizens become involved in the conflict.
“I want to speak directly to every representative of these 47 countries: You know what Russia is doing with your people, your citizens. Take care of them. And do not let them end up on another front,” he said.
Zelensky also warned the affected countries against allowing Russia to use their citizens to sustain its war effort.
“Do not let Putin drag you into his war. Do not let Russia put out its fires, cover up its shame, and pay for its madness with the lives of your people. Limit his room to act. Limit his money. Limit his war,” he added.
The comments come as the Russia-Ukraine war continues, with Ukraine increasingly raising concerns about the recruitment of foreign nationals into Russia’s military.
The 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is currently taking place in New York, with the high-level General Debate scheduled from September 22 to 28, 2026.
