Zimbabwe Warns Citizens Against Joining Foreign Armies Amid Russia–Ukraine War Recruitment

By Desmond Nleya
The Government of Zimbabwe has issued a strong warning to its citizens against joining foreign military forces following growing reports that Zimbabweans are being recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine war.

In a statement posted on social media on Friday, Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, said the government is deeply concerned about the safety and welfare of Zimbabweans being lured into foreign conflicts.

He urged citizens not to enlist in foreign militaries, stressing that Zimbabweans who join such forces may not receive the same treatment and protections as citizens of those countries.

Mangwana also warned that if tragedy strikes, families may face serious challenges bringing home the remains of their loved ones. According to him, the repatriation of bodies from war zones is often complicated and can deny families the closure they desperately need.

“The safety of Zimbabweans and the peace of mind of their loved ones remain our utmost priority,” he said.

### Investigation Exposes Recruitment Network

The warning comes after an investigation by the Centre for Innovation and Technology (CITE) uncovered a growing network recruiting Zimbabweans to fight for Russia.

According to the investigation, recruiters are targeting unemployed Zimbabweans and migrants working in South Africa, including former Uber drivers, promising them well-paying jobs or cultural exchange opportunities in Russia.

Recruits are reportedly added to WhatsApp groups and issued short-term visas before being transported to the war zone.

Some sources say civilians with no military experience are given only seven days of training before being deployed to the front lines.

### Passports Confiscated and Contracts in Russian

Several recruits have revealed that once they arrive in Russia, their passports are taken away and they are forced to sign one-year contracts written in Russian — a language many of them cannot read.

According to a Zimbabwean currently fighting in the Donbas region, passports are only promised back after the contract period ends.

Recruitment networks are said to be operating in several areas including Harare and Bulawayo, while also targeting communities in Kezi, Esigodini, Plumtree and Tsholotsho.

Prospective recruits are sometimes accommodated in hotels in Harare while awaiting flights to Russia. They are also instructed to travel with minimal belongings — often just a small backpack and warm clothing.

### Harsh Reality on the Battlefield

Once deployed, the reality is far different from what many recruits were promised.

Some Zimbabweans have been assigned as supply carriers, tasked with transporting fuel, bombs and other equipment to the front lines on foot because vehicles are frequently destroyed by drones.

Recruits say their training for modern warfare is extremely limited.

One fighter revealed that they were only trained for about an hour on how to shoot down drones before being deployed.

Others claim they struggle to defend themselves against drone attacks, often firing entire magazines without hitting their targets.

### Promised Pay Not Delivered

Many recruits say the financial rewards promised by recruiters are not being honoured.

One Zimbabwean said he was promised a monthly salary of R55 000 but received only R11 000 in January and R31 000 in February.

Facing constant danger and financial disappointment, some fighters say they are now desperate to escape the conflict.

One recruit reportedly admitted he was considering shooting himself in the leg just to be removed from the battlefield.

### Families Left Devastated

The dangers have already resulted in tragedy for some Zimbabwean families.

A parent from Plumtree revealed that his son was killed shortly after arriving in the war zone.

The young man had travelled with four others from Kempton Park in South Africa. Weeks later, the family was informed that he and his comrades were killed in a drone attack.

The father said officials at the Russian embassy in Pretoria told him that repatriating his son’s body could take several months.

Meanwhile, Zimbabweans already trapped in the war zone are pleading for assistance to return home.

“Our brothers are dying, others are injured and losing their limbs,” one group said in a desperate message. “We were not told the truth about what we were coming to do here. We need help to return home.”