Ukrainian soldiers from the 49th Separate Assault Battalion “Carpathian Sich” have reportedly captured a man claiming to be a Senegalese national fighting for Russian forces near Toretsk in the Donetsk region. The battalion released a video on Wednesday showing the individual in Russian military uniform being interrogated by Ukrainian troops.
In the footage, the man, appearing fatigued, states he had been studying in Russia for two years. He alleges that financial constraints forced him to consider leaving for Germany, but he was instead compelled to join the front lines to earn money.
The detainee expressed initial fear that Ukrainian soldiers would shoot him upon capture, but he was instead ordered to follow them. A medical examination revealed a minor leg injury, for which he received treatment before being evacuated from the conflict zone.
No identification documents were found on the individual to confirm his nationality. Both the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ukrainian Embassy in Senegal have been contacted, but neither has officially confirmed the man’s identity or nationality.