Kenya’s MFA Holds Talks With Ukrainian, Russian Envoys Over Repatriation
The government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and repatriation of Kenyans trapped on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei met with Ukrainian and Russian ambassadors in Nairobi on Friday to discuss Kenyan nationals’ welfare and safe return measures.
The talks emphasized Nairobi’s commitment to protecting citizens abroad and combating the growing problem of fraudulent recruiting into foreign wars.
During conversations with Ukraine’s Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, PS Sing’Oei expressed the government’s deep concern about citizens taken as prisoners of war.
“I underscored the government’s serious concern regarding Kenyans captured on the frontlines of the Russian-Ukrainian war and held as prisoners of war,” he said.
“We discussed the safety of these Kenyans and mechanisms for possible repatriation.”
The PS also informed the ambassador of Kenya’s efforts to combat fraudulent recruitment of citizens.
Met with the Russian Ambassador, H.E. Vsevolod Tkachenko, to discuss the roadmap for enhancing our bilateral relations ahead of the Prime Cabinet Secretary’s official visit to Moscow in March.
— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) February 20, 2026
During our talks, I conveyed the Government’s grave concern regarding Kenyan nationals… pic.twitter.com/gMdUtdjogN
Sing’Oei also met with Russian Ambassador Vsevolod Tkachenko separately, discussing Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s anticipated official visit to Moscow next month.
He also took the opportunity to express the government’s deep concern for Kenyan nationals now involved in the war.
This came as he advocated for unrestricted consular access and clear, transparent protocols for repatriating both prisoners of war and the bodies of deceased people.
“Kenya’s priority remains the safety and dignity of every Kenyan abroad. I welcomed the cooperation of the embassy in staving off any illegal recruitment of Kenyans,” Sing’Oei added.
The talks between the two come a day after the Russian embassy in Nairobi denied allegations that it was involved in recruiting Kenyan people to fight in Ukraine.
“At no point has the embassy issued visas to Kenyans to participate in military operations in Ukraine, nor has it encouraged any citizen to do so.”
The embassy emphasised that Russian law allows foreign citizens who are legally in Russia to voluntarily enlist in its armed forces.
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The meetings come amid mounting reports that some Kenyans were misled into joining combat roles abroad under fraudulent recruitment schemes.
Security agencies have warned that networks are actively targeting unemployed youth, former military personnel, and other vulnerable groups with promises of high-paying jobs or security contracts, only for the recruits to be deployed to conflict zones.
The Russian embassy denied any collusion with individuals or entities to coerce or lure Kenyans into joining the conflict.
“The Government authorities of Russia have never engaged in illegal recruitment of Kenyan citizens,” the statement said.
Kenya’s MFA Holds Talks With Ukrainian, Russian Envoys Over Repatriation
