Oluwagbemileke, 29 Year Old Nigeria. captured in Ukraine’s Fighting for Russia

A 29-year-old Nigerian, Kehinde Oluwagbemileke, has been captured by Ukrainian forces while fighting for the Russian military in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.

Oluwagbemileke was apprehended by the Freedom of Russia Legion, a group of Russian fighters supporting Ukraine, in the Zaporizhzhia region after serving with Russian forces for five months.

According to Ukraine’s “I Want to Live” project, Oluwagbemileke had been living in Russia for four years before being arrested on drug-related charges.

He opted to join Russia’s military campaign in exchange for a reduced sentence instead of serving a prison sentence under Article 228 of the Russian Criminal Code.

During an interrogation, Oluwagbemileke revealed that he joined the war for “quick liberation” from prison.

He expressed regret over his decision, pointing to his injuries sustained during the conflict. Oluwagbemileke also mentioned working as a translator for non-Russian speakers in Russia, including people from South America, Africa, and China.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned foreign nationals against joining the Russian military, urging those considering enlistment to contact the “I Want to Live” initiative instead.

This development comes after another foreign soldier, 24-year-old Chinese citizen Wang Wu, was captured by Ukrainian forces a week ago.

The organisation stated that nearly 7,000 foreign fighters from 14 countries have been recruited by Russia’s Defence Ministry to fight in Ukraine, describing them as “cheap manpower” not spared in the conflict.