15 Zimbabweans Killed In Russia-Ukraine War As 66 Others Still Trapped Fighting For Russia

15 Zimbabweans Killed After Being Lured Into Russia-Ukraine War, 66 Others Trapped To Be Fighting For Russia

Fifteen Zimbabweans have died after being lured into fighting for Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, while 66 others are still actively involved in the conflict, Information Minister Zhemu Soda has revealed.

The government says urgent efforts are now underway to bring back those still alive and repatriate the bodies of the deceased, amid growing concern over recruitment networks targeting Zimbabweans with promises of lucrative jobs abroad.

Speaking in Harare on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, Information Minister Zhemu Soda confirmed the deaths and described the situation as serious and complex.

“Fifteen Zimbabweans have died while fighting on the Russian side in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Sixty-six others remain in the conflict zone, and government is actively working on their return,” Soda said.

The revelation marks the first official acknowledgement by Zimbabwean authorities of the scale of local involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Government Moves To Repatriate Bodies And Survivors

According to Zimlive, Soda said President Emmerson Mnangagwa has directed authorities to urgently address the matter on multiple fronts, including diplomatic engagement and law enforcement.

“The President has directed government to act with urgency and resolve this issue. We are seized with this matter on several critical fronts,” Soda said.

He added that the government is now focusing on bringing back the remains of those who died.

“Regarding the deceased, government is actively engaged in complex diplomatic and logistical efforts required to repatriate the remains,” he said.

Soda also confirmed that authorities are working to bring home the 66 Zimbabweans still involved in the conflict.

“We are also engaging relevant stakeholders to facilitate the safe return of Zimbabwean nationals who are still alive,” he said.

The minister warned that recruitment syndicates targeting Zimbabweans will face legal action.

“The security cluster has been instructed to intensify efforts to identify, track and dismantle the criminal networks behind this trafficking syndicate.”

“Those trading in the lives of our citizens for profit will face the full wrath of the law,” Soda added.

Zimbabweans Lured With Promises Of Jobs

Reports indicate that many Africans, including Zimbabweans, were recruited through third-party agents who promised lucrative civilian jobs, only for recruits to later find themselves deployed to the battlefield.

The issue is not limited to Zimbabwe.

According to Ukraine, more than 1,700 Africans are believed to be fighting for Russia, although analysts believe the actual figure could be higher.

Kenyan intelligence estimates suggest more than 1,000 Kenyans may have been recruited.

Ghana also confirmed in February 2026 that more than 50 of its citizens had died after being lured into the conflict.

Analysts say economic hardship is one of the driving forces behind the recruitment.

“For many people, it’s a case of trying to earn a living. When opportunities are limited at home, people take risks,” analyst Pier Pigou said.

Government Seeks Safer Overseas Employment

Meanwhile, Soda said Zimbabwe is now working on safer employment arrangements abroad to prevent similar situations in future.

“We are strengthening bilateral labour agreements with countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Poland and Belarus,” he said.

“This is to ensure Zimbabwean workers are employed under safe, fair and legally binding conditions.”

Zimbabwe is also strengthening exchange programmes, including teacher exchange agreements with Rwanda, as part of efforts to create safer migration opportunities.

The development comes weeks after South Africa successfully secured the return of its nationals who had also been lured into the conflict.