With tears in his eyes, a young Kenyan athlete now captive in Ukraine pleads not to be sent back to Russia. I will die there, Evans Kibet says, waving his hands in the air towards the unseen interviewer in a video released on Wednesday by a Ukrainian army brigade. The 36-year-old prisoner-of-war is wearing a red sports top with the brigade's flag pinned behind him. The aspiring long-distance runner claims he was tricked into joining the Russian army and is desperate to return home to see his 16-year-old daughter.
In a Facebook post accompanying the video, the 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade portrayed Kibet's story as a commentary on how Russia treats foreign recruits but also noted he had fought on the side of the enemy, leaving it to the public's discretion to judge his sincerity. The brigade asserted that they filmed the interview with his consent, although the BBC has not corroborated this.
Kibet is among numerous foreign nationals trapped within the conflict, with citizens from various countries also held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps. Ukraine's spokesperson on prisoner treatment noted that many of these individuals originate from poorer nations, often promised jobs in exchange for enlistment, while others join voluntarily. Tragically, very few of these recruits survive capture, with most lost to injuries or death.
Back home, Kibet's family is reeling from the news. His cousin, Edith Chesoi, shared her emotional turmoil, describing sleepless nights filled with worry. Kibet's brother, Isaac Kipyego, painted him as a humble and grounded individual, dedicated to his sport yet grappling with financial struggles, which likely led him to the deceptive offer of racing in Russia.
Kibet recounts his journey, explaining how he ended up in Russia after being misled into believing he was being offered a legitimate job in sports. Upon signing an agreement he didn't understand, he was thrust into military life, where he was forced to choose between fighting or death.
After a harrowing escape through Ukrainian forests, Kibet approached Ukrainian soldiers with his hands raised, pleading for his life, prompting a mix of shock and relief among his family back in Kenya. They are now seeking assistance from the Kenyan government to secure his repatriation as Kibet's pleas underscore the grim reality faced by many deceived recruits caught in the brutal conflict.
In a Facebook post accompanying the video, the 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade portrayed Kibet's story as a commentary on how Russia treats foreign recruits but also noted he had fought on the side of the enemy, leaving it to the public's discretion to judge his sincerity. The brigade asserted that they filmed the interview with his consent, although the BBC has not corroborated this.
Kibet is among numerous foreign nationals trapped within the conflict, with citizens from various countries also held in Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps. Ukraine's spokesperson on prisoner treatment noted that many of these individuals originate from poorer nations, often promised jobs in exchange for enlistment, while others join voluntarily. Tragically, very few of these recruits survive capture, with most lost to injuries or death.
Back home, Kibet's family is reeling from the news. His cousin, Edith Chesoi, shared her emotional turmoil, describing sleepless nights filled with worry. Kibet's brother, Isaac Kipyego, painted him as a humble and grounded individual, dedicated to his sport yet grappling with financial struggles, which likely led him to the deceptive offer of racing in Russia.
Kibet recounts his journey, explaining how he ended up in Russia after being misled into believing he was being offered a legitimate job in sports. Upon signing an agreement he didn't understand, he was thrust into military life, where he was forced to choose between fighting or death.
After a harrowing escape through Ukrainian forests, Kibet approached Ukrainian soldiers with his hands raised, pleading for his life, prompting a mix of shock and relief among his family back in Kenya. They are now seeking assistance from the Kenyan government to secure his repatriation as Kibet's pleas underscore the grim reality faced by many deceived recruits caught in the brutal conflict.
