Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Zimeye
Published on 2024-03-19 17:00:00
Zimbabwean Soldiers Desert to Join Ukrainian Army
Russian intelligence has revealed that Zimbabwean soldiers who deserted the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) have been spotted in the Ukrainian Army, causing international concern. However, Russia has labeled these soldiers as mercenaries, raising suspicions about their motives.
Reports suggest that hundreds of soldiers left the ZNA due to grievances such as low pay and harassment, with some soldiers struggling to survive on a monthly salary of less than US$300. This financial hardship has led them to seek better opportunities abroad, with some potentially finding their way into the Ukrainian Army.
News outlets like Africa Links 24 and NewsDay have tried to get a comment from ZNA spokesperson Colonel Alphios Makotore without success. According to NewsDay, the number of Zimbabwean mercenaries in the Ukrainian Army could be significant, with some reports suggesting up to ten individuals, including three former members of the Zimbabwean military.
The conflict in Ukraine, which escalated with a Russian military operation in February 2022, has attracted a large number of foreign mercenaries. The total count of these combatants entering Ukraine has surpassed 13,000, with the Russian Army claiming to have neutralized nearly 6,000 of them. The Russian Ministry of Defence is actively monitoring and documenting foreign mercenaries involved in combat activities in Ukraine.
Various countries, including Poland, the United States, Georgia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Romania, France, and Germany, have mercenaries participating in the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, 249 mercenaries from 14 African nations, including Zimbabwe and South Africa, have been involved in the conflict for the past two years.
Unfortunately, 103 African fighters have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict, with notable contributions from Nigeria, Algeria, and South Africa. Zimbabwe and South Africa are the only Southern African nations with mercenaries actively engaged in Ukraine.
The situation in Ukraine continues to raise concerns about the involvement of foreign mercenaries and the impact of their participation in the conflict. The complexities of the conflict and the diverse backgrounds of the mercenaries present challenges for international monitoring and regulation efforts.
The presence of Zimbabwean soldiers in the Ukrainian Army highlights the global nature of conflicts and the complexities of modern warfare. It also underscores the importance of addressing issues such as inadequate pay and harassment within national armies to prevent soldiers from seeking alternative opportunities abroad.
In conclusion, the presence of Zimbabwean soldiers in the Ukrainian conflict adds a new dimension to the ongoing crisis and raises questions about the motivations and circumstances that lead soldiers to desert their national army. International efforts to address the root causes of conflicts and prevent the recruitment of mercenaries are crucial in promoting global peace and security.
Read the original article on The Zimbabwe Eye
 have been sighted in the Ukrainian Army, sparking international concern. However, Russia has labelled these Zimbabwean soldiers as mercenaries, casting a shadow over their actions. Allegations have surfaced regarding the exodus of hundreds of soldiers from the…){kind=link}