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Ukraine says intercepted call shows Russian commander using African recruit as 'human shield'

Ammar Anwer

09.11.2026, 20:55

Nearly 29,000 foreign nationals have signed contracts with Russia's armed forces since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, according to Ukrainian figures in September. — Nearly 29,000 foreign nationals have signed contracts with Russia's armed forces since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, according to Ukrainian figures in September. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

The command was captured in a conversation intercepted by Ukraine's military intelligence agency.