A Nigerian man, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, has been captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Oluwagbemileke, 29, was apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a unit composed of Russian fighters supporting Ukraine.
Oluwagbemileke was captured in the Zaporizhzhia region after serving with Russian forces for five months.
He had been living in Russia for four years before his arrest on drug-related charges and agreed to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence.
In an interview with the Freedom of Russia Legion, Oluwagbemileke expressed regret for joining the war and mentioned that his family in Nigeria was unaware of his involvement.
He sustained injuries during the war and was treated by the Ukrainian forces, whom he thanked for saving his life and providing assistance.
The incident highlights the involvement of foreign fighters in the conflict, with thousands of mercenaries from various countries reportedly recruited by Russia’s Defence Ministry to fight in Ukraine.
