"Searching the bags of dead soldiers for food and water" Four African POWs on What Fighting for Russia Actually Looks Like.

The Platform for African Democrats video published on Youtube features four African prisoners of war interviewed in July 2026 in Ukrainian captivity: a Zimbabwean, age 37; two Kenyans, ages 35 and 42; and a Ugandan, age 26.

What the Front Line Looks Like

The Zimbabwean POW described his advance with three colleagues. They were given food for three days, very little water and four magazines. No one explained the mission. Dead bodies lay every two to five metres. People were killed in front of them as they walked. A three-hour journey took 25 days. By day 25, all three colleagues were dead. "Only God was protecting me," he said.

One of the four described a man in his group who lost his leg to a landmine. When they radioed the commander, the response was: "Go go go go. Leave him." The man asked those around him to end his suffering. No one could. They left him. He did not survive.

After food ran out, the men searched the bags and packs of dead soldiers for anything to eat or drink.

The Money That Never Comes

All four were promised up to $20,000. None received it. Bonuses of 400,000 (USD 4 400) roubles were credited to Russian bank accounts they could not access. Russia's sanctions meant transfers home were blocked - so they couldn't possibly send those back home. The Kenyan POW, 35, said his money is still there and he may never see it.

Phones were confiscated on arrival. As one of the men explained: if you have access to a phone, you would tell everyone the situation is bad and warn them not to come. Russia knows this.

In Ukrainian Captivity

All four contrasted their treatment in Ukrainian custody with their experience under Russian command. Questions were translated so they could answer. They were given food, water, warm clothes, the chance to wash after weeks in the field. The Zimbabwean said Ukrainian soldiers discovered it was his birthday four days after his capture and sang to him.

"In Russia, they only speak Russian and you follow along not knowing what is going to happen," he said. "In Ukraine - no one is beating you."

The Message

The Ugandan POW addressed Africa directly: "Whoever tells you there are jobs in Russia - don't accept. It's only war."

The Kenyan, 42: "I cannot even wish for my worst enemy how I've faced it."

The prisoners of war who gave accounts for this material are alive. They receive appropriate healthcare and nutrition, their detention conditions are monitored by the Red Cross representatives and human rights organizations. Anyone willing to surrender to Ukraine's Armed Forces can contact the "I Want to Live" project - find out more here.

Source: Platform for African Democrats video published on Youtube