Gambiaj.com – (Kyiv, Ukraine) – A man of Senegalese origin, identified as a mercenary fighting alongside Russian forces, has been captured by the Ukrainian army on the Totretsk front in the embattled Donetsk region. His capture was confirmed on Wednesday through a video released by the 49th Ukrainian Separate Assault Battalion “Sich des Carpates” on its official Facebook page.

In the footage, reviewed by BBC Africa, the detainee—an exhausted Black man clad in Russian military fatigues—states during his interrogation by Ukrainian soldiers that he is from Senegal. He further claims that he had been living in Russia for the past two years as a student.

According to Ukrainian sources, the man reportedly intended to leave Russia for Germany but, unable to afford the journey, opted instead to fight for Russian troops in exchange for money. Ukrainian media reports that he had no official identification on him at the time of his capture, complicating efforts to formally confirm his identity and nationality.

Ukrainian authorities say the Senegalese man was lightly wounded in the leg during combat but received medical attention on the spot before being transported out of the war zone.

The Ukrainian army claims the man feared for his life at the moment of capture but complied with Ukrainian forces after being ordered to surrender.

Diplomatic efforts are now underway, with procedures reportedly initiated through Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ukraine’s Embassy in Dakar. However, no official response or confirmation has been issued by Senegalese authorities.

The incident has reignited debate over the growing number of African nationals allegedly found among the ranks of Russia’s military. Observers note that many of these individuals may be motivated by financial desperation, lured by promises of compensation, or caught in precarious migratory situations.

As the war in Ukraine continues to pull in individuals from beyond Europe, this case underscores the increasingly global dimensions of the conflict—and raises troubling questions about the recruitment of vulnerable African nationals into foreign wars.