A Kenyan citizen who fought on the side of Russian forces has been killed near the settlement of Borova in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, according to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate.
In a statement on Facebook, the agency said Russian troops had again deployed foreign mercenaries in what it described as “suicidal assault missions,” this time involving a group of Kenyan nationals. One of them was identified through the Ukrainian “I Want to Live” project.
The deceased was identified as 22-year-old Nyambura Eric Mwangi. He reportedly arrived in Yaroslavl, Russia, in late October 2025 together with three other Kenyans — Joseph Kamau Wanjiru, Joel Ngure Kairithi, and Ronald Kipkurui Kibet. Around the same period, other Kenyan nationals later reported as killed also arrived in Russia, according to Ukrainian intelligence.
The group allegedly signed contracts upon arrival and underwent military training lasting about a week and a half before being deployed. Mwangi was initially assigned as a radio operator but was later transferred to an assault unit.
According to preliminary information cited by Ukrainian intelligence, he was killed during an attempted assault in the Borova area, reportedly as a result of a mortar strike while crossing what was described as a “kill zone.”
Main Intelligence Directorate also said that despite reported agreements between the Kremlin and several African countries aimed at limiting recruitment, the practice continues. The agency claims it has identified 2,965 African nationals who have signed contracts with the Russian armed forces.
According to the same data, the largest numbers of foreign recruits come from Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Algeria, Mali, South Sudan, and South Africa.
Ukrainian intelligence estimates that at least 316 African mercenaries have been confirmed killed as of August 2025, adding that the real figure is likely significantly higher.
