Botswana’s Government said on Monday, 15 December, it is investigating reports that two young citizens were misled into travelling to Russia under the guise of a short-term military training programme, only to end up fighting on the front lines of the war in Ukraine.
In a statement, the Ministry of International Relations said the 19- and 21-year-olds were allegedly deceived during a recruitment process that presented the trip as a brief military school engagement. Authorities said they are working through diplomatic channels, in coordination with law enforcement agencies, to verify the reports and determine the whereabouts and condition of the two men, with the aim of facilitating their safe repatriation.
The ministry also issued a caution to young Batswana, warning against dubious and potentially life-threatening international recruitment schemes, particularly those offering financial incentives in exchange for participation in combat. It urged the youth to remain vigilant and to consult relevant authorities, including Botswana’s diplomatic missions, to confirm the legitimacy of any suspicious recruitment offers, underscoring the government’s commitment to safeguarding its citizens amid rising global security risks.