Ukrainian forces captured a Kenyan national fighting for Russia in Kharkiv Oblast, near the town of Vovchansk, on Sept. 17, according to Ukraine’s 57th Motorized Infantry Brigade.
The man, who identified himself as Evans, said he was an athlete in civilian life and had traveled to Russia as a tourist before being deceived into military service.
Tricked into Signing Military Papers
In a video released by the brigade, Evans explained that he had stayed in Russia for two weeks as a tourist. Just before his planned return, his host offered him a “job.”
“I went there as a tourist and spent two weeks but after I had one day left before I returned, the man who received me ask what I thought of Russia and I said it was good. He asked if I would like to stay I said yes but my visa is expired,” he narrated.
He said his host promised to help with his visa but instead handed him Russian-language documents to sign.
“He came in the evening with documents written in Russian, I didn’t know it was a military job. After I signed, he took my passport and phone, saying he would return them. From that moment on, other people came for me. They told me to get in the car,” Evans said.
Forced into Military Camp
According to Evans, strangers drove him for seven hours before he found himself inside a military camp. When he tried to resist, they threatened him.
“You already signed the documents, you cannot go back. You either serve or get killed,” they warned him.
Evans said he received just a week of basic training before being moved to another camp. He described the atmosphere as chaotic, with orders barked at soldiers while officers dragged them by their clothes. There, he also met other foreigners who had unknowingly signed up.
“I’m not the enemy of Ukraine. I found myself in situation I could not get out of and I was fixed because I didn’t know what I was signing. It messed my life,” Evans said.
Escape and Surrender to Ukrainians
Evans explained that he was later abandoned in the forest, which gave him the chance to escape. He removed his Russian uniform and spent two days wandering in search of Ukrainian soldiers.
“I walked into their camp after spending two days running… If I went back to the Russians they would have killed me.
“I walked to them with my hands raised, they tied me, took me to their camp and they fed me, gave me water. They (Ukrainian Defenders) are good people. In Russia they probably think I am dead,” he said.
A Plea to Return Home
Evans said he wants nothing more than to return home to his daughter, who depends on him.
He revealed that he is a single parent, and his 16-year-old daughter currently stays with his mother.
“I’m an athlete. I have been in athletics for over 10 years. I don’t want Russia, I will die there. I have a daughter who is 16 years who stays with my mother she is 16 years. She needs me.”
