A Kenyan man apprehended by Ukrainian forces while serving with the Russian military in the ongoing conflict has shared his harrowing experience, urging unemployed young people to avoid being drawn into the war as combatants.
During a video interview that gained widespread circulation on social media platforms, Joseph Kabugi, 41, explained that he joined the Russian military as a final option following years of unemployment and hardship.
As a professional computer scientist, Kabugi described the challenges he faced in securing employment and accepted an opportunity that was presented to him through a recommendation.
The information reached me through word-of-mouth, similar to how news spreads. It was a friend telling another friend, and that’s how I learned about this opportunity, he explained.
Kabugi noted that an agency managed their travel arrangements, making it clear from the beginning that they would be joining the Russian military.
Russia initiated a comprehensive invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, representing a significant intensification of a conflict that originated in February 2014 with the annexation of Crimea.
By April 2026, the conflict persists with intense combat occurring in eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. Both belligerents have sustained substantial losses, among them civilian populations.
Facing reported personnel shortages and increasing casualties on the battlefield, Russia has been recruiting foreign nationals, including individuals from African nations, to participate in the Ukrainian conflict.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that approximately 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries are fighting alongside Russian forces, frequently enticed through alleged misinformation, offers of substantial pay, or professional training, only to be assigned to combat zones.
Kabugi acknowledged that while he was aware of joining the Russian military, he was initially informed that his position would not place him on the front lines but would instead utilize his professional expertise.
An agency presented this option, allowing me to join the Russian military without any financial obligation. They would cover all expenses, including transportation to Russia, he stated.
As a computer science engineer, I possess knowledge of electronic devices and systems from my experience installing surveillance cameras, radio stations, and similar equipment. These were the types of tasks I was trained to perform, he explained.
He revealed that he was recruited alongside another Kenyan national, and neither had a complete comprehension of the commitments they were undertaking.
We were completely uninformed, he admitted.
Following the signing of their contracts, they received three weeks of instruction on firearm usage.
I wasn’t adequately prepared because, realistically, how can someone prepare in just three weeks for combat in a war? he questioned. I was fearful.
Kabugi recounted that after completing their training, they were transported by boat across a river to the combat zone. During the journey, he observed deceased Russian soldiers.
He realized at that moment that he could also face the same fate.
His deployment was to Kupiansk, a railway junction and urban center in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region situated on the Oskil River, approximately 40 kilometers from the Russian frontier.
In the initial phase of his deployment, he sustained injuries during a drone strike.
I was informed that I would be completely evacuated from the area, so when my mission concluded, I expected to be fully extracted, but this did not materialize.
Kabugi mentioned that he was held at a location whose name and precise coordinates he cannot remember.
In practical terms, you cannot communicate with commanders due to the language barrier, he noted, mentioning that he only comprehended a limited number of Russian words.
Around February 14, we experienced another drone attack, forcing us to flee for safety to a different quarters.
He described how the second hiding location shifted their priorities to basic survival, with daily quests for sustenance and water.
Kabugi explained that one Russian soldier would depart to procure provisions while the others remained behind.
Primarily, we did not engage in combat or any military activities. Our sole objective was finding sustenance, as it was nearing the time for my scheduled departure.
He revealed that the Russian soldier was apprehended by Ukrainian forces during his second excursion to obtain food.
This individual then directed Ukrainian forces to their hiding place, resulting in their apprehension. Kabugi stated they were transported into Ukrainian-controlled territory, where he continues to be held as a prisoner of war.
According to official government statements, Kabugi is now the third Kenyan national to be held as a prisoner of war in Ukraine.
I was uncertain about what was happening when the other soldier instructed me to follow them. They treated us with kindness, as they could have chosen to execute us or spare our lives. They also had the option of denying us food, but they provided it.
Kabugi has appealed to young Kenyans to avoid being enticed to travel to Russia, whether with the intention of participating in the war or seeking employment opportunities.
He spoke of the severe winter conditions he endured and how he required numerous layers of clothing to maintain warmth.
My recommendation is: do not enlist in any war. Avoid becoming involved in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Prioritize your safety by remaining in your homeland.