Russian Embassy Denies Forcing Nigerian Students To Fight In Ukraine

The Russian Embassy in Nigeria on Wednesday blatantly denied claims of forcing African students, especially Nigerians, to engage in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine in exchange for visa extensions.

According to Bloomberg’s Monday report, Russia purportedly sought to enlist thousands of migrants and foreign students to reinforce its troops in the war against Ukraine, adopting tactics similar to those employed by the Wagner mercenary group.

European officials reportedly assessed this situation, claiming that the Kremlin was threatening not to extend visas for African students and young workers unless they agreed to join the military.

Yevgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, an organisation focused on spreading knowledge about Russia abroad, estimated that there are currently 35,000-37,000 African students in Russia.

Labelling the reports as fake news and entirely unfounded, the embassy emphasised the potential damage such misinformation could inflict on the educational cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.

According to the embassy’s statement issued, no association of Nigerian students in Russia has confirmed the allegations.

Nigerian students reportedly face no difficulties in extending their visas while pursuing their studies in Russia, the embassy added.