Ukraine is open to cooperation with Botswana regarding the possible recruitment of its citizens by Russia for participation in the war.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote about this on the social media platform X.
“Ukraine has taken note of the statement issued by the Ministry of International Relations of the Republic of Botswana on February 26th on reports regarding Batswana nationals recruited into Russia’s war against Ukraine. We welcome the efforts of Botswana’s government to engage with relevant authorities. Ukraine remains open to bilateral dialogue on this matter,” Sybiha stated.
He invited Botswana’s Ministry of International Relations to officially raise the issue with the Ukrainian authorities in line with Botswana’s long-standing practice of consulting all relevant parties.
For his part, Ukraine’s foreign minister assured readiness to provide available information and assessments based on Ukrainian intelligence data that may complement information obtained from other sources.
“Ukraine’s position remains consistent: participation of foreign citizens in Russia’s war of aggression carries serious and often fatal consequences. Moreover, participation of Batswana citizens in foreign armed conflicts as mercenaries is prohibited under Botswana’s national legislation,” the minister warned.
