Antalya forum: Sybiha raises alarm over Russia recruiting African mercenaries

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said this in an interview with Ukrinform following his participation in the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum.

"I raised the issue of Russian recruitment of African mercenaries with each of my African counterparts. They are outraged. We are exploring ways to stop this practice, as there are different approaches. They are grateful to Ukraine for its efforts to halt Russia's use of Africans in so-called 'meat assaults'," Sybiha said.

According to the minister, Ukrainian intelligence indicates that citizens of various foreign countries, including African nations, are or have been fighting on Russia's side in Ukraine.

"We see that, as Russia suffers heavy losses on the battlefield, it is trying to compensate by recruiting mercenaries. That is why this was one of the key topics in my discussions with colleagues from the African continent," he added.

Sybiha held more than a dozen meetings with African counterparts, which also focused on areas of mutually beneficial cooperation.

"These include agriculture, opening these countries' markets to Ukrainian products, IT, healthcare, education, and security cooperation. Some of these countries possess critical resources needed for Ukraine's industry and economy. All of this was discussed in detail," he said.

The 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum took place in Turkey on April 17-19 under the theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Mapping Uncertainties." Ukraine was represented at the event by Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.

On the sidelines of the forum, he held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

Following the forum, the minister said that Ukraine has become a security partner for many countries and has taken on a new role in the global system as a contributor to security, a position it continues to strengthen and develop.

Photo: Antalya Diplomacy Forum