Togo Confirms Nationals Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Several citizens of Togo, many of them young students, have been captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, according to Togolese authorities. Reports indicate that these individuals were lured to Russia under the guise of scholarship opportunities, only to be coerced into joining the Russian military. Togo's foreign ministry has urged its citizens, especially those seeking to study abroad, to rigorously verify the authenticity of scholarship offers and consult official channels before traveling to Russia. Human rights organizations and official statements highlight cases where Togolese nationals, upon arrival in Russia, were forced into military service and subsequently captured or wounded in Ukraine. Similar incidents involving nationals from other African countries, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Benin, have also been reported. Togolese authorities are working with diplomatic partners to clarify these situations and provide assistance to affected individuals.