President William Ruto, on Thursday, November 6, held a phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with the talks focusing on issues of mutual interest between the two countries.
The conversation was centred on the alleged illegal recruitment of young Kenyans to fight in the war between Russia and Ukraine.
While expressing concerns over the illegal recruitment of Kenyans to fight in the war, the two leaders agreed to raise awareness of the dangers of such ventures.
During the phone call, President Ruto requested Zelenskyy to facilitate the release of any Kenyan who is currently under the custody of the Ukrainian authorities.
"I have requested President Zelenskyy to facilitate the release of any Kenyan in Ukrainian custody. I am grateful to His Excellency for acceding to my appeal," Ruto stated.
The Head of State further commended President Zelenskyy for the Food Summit, which is expected to be held in Ukraine later this month.
This comes amid concerns over the detention of Kenyans in Ukraine as prisoners of war following their arrest by the Ukrainian authorities over their participation in the conflict.
Among them is Evans Kibet, who was reportedly arrested by the Ukrainian army while fighting for Russia along the Russia-Ukraine border.
In a video shared in September this year, Kibet, a 44-year-old man, claimed he was duped into joining the Russian army after travelling to the country as an athlete.
"I ended up in Russia without knowing that I had been enlisted in the Russian army. I had never served before. I did not go to Russia for that,” Kibet claimed.
However, in October this year, President Ruto's administration began talks with the Ukrainian government for the release of the detained Kenyans.
This was after Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei held a meeting with Ukrainian Ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, for support to ensure that captured Kenyans receive consular assistance to help with their repatriation.
