A Kenyan athlete ended up in Ukrainian captivity after fighting on behalf of Russia. Ukrainian soldiers from the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade captured Evans on the frontlines, where he had been serving with Russian occupiers in Kharkiv Oblast.
There are numerous reports from captured Africans indicating that Russia deceptively recruits Africans to participate in the war against Ukraine. Migrants from African countries are offered work or study in Russia, but upon arrival, they are coerced into signing contracts to serve in the Russian armed forces. Many are sent to the frontlines, often to the most dangerous areas, where they frequently become “expendable” due to high casualties.
The athlete ended up in a Russian military camp under the guise of a “tourist trip” organized by his agent and funded by Russia, after which he was forced to sign documents in Russian and join the military.
When he realized what was happening, he tried to refuse but was threatened with execution. Nevertheless, Evans escaped and surrendered to Ukrainian forces.
How the athlete became a Russian soldier
“Evans is a track and field athlete from Kenya. His sports agent offered him and three other Kenyans a tourist trip to Saint Petersburg, funded by Russia,” reports the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Kostyantyn Hordiyenko.
At the end of the trip, the person accompanying the group suggested that the foreigners stay in Russia and take up work.
“By signing papers in Russian, without understanding them, he unwittingly became a Russian soldier,” adds the brigade.
Harsh training and threats of execution
“Training lasted a week, during which the Kenyan was taught how to handle an automatic rifle. His commanders and instructors did not speak English, so they would often pull or push him to make him follow orders,” Ukrainian troops said.
Evans tried to refuse service but was told he would be executed if he did not comply.
Escape and captivity
“On the way to his first combat mission, Evans escaped. He spent two days wandering through forests near Vovchansk, searching for Ukrainian soldiers to surrender to,” said the 57th Brigade.
This is how the athlete ended up safe in Ukrainian hands, becoming a direct witness to the realities on the frontline.
Skeptical note from the brigade
However, the brigade remains cautious.
“Keep in mind, this is a person who fought on the side of the enemy, so whether to trust his words and tears is left to your discretion,” the brigade states.