State media published a statement saying the foreign ministry urged the families of the dead to contact ministry officials. Reuters said the diplomatic document described the deceased as “military contractors of Cameroonian nationality” operating in the zone of the so-called “special military operation.”
Neither the statement nor the diplomatic note explained how the Cameroonians joined Russian forces or provided details about where, when or under what circumstances they were killed.
“The Russian embassy in Yaounde did not
In February, Ukraine said more than 1,700 African nationals
were fighting on Russia’s side, though analysts told Reuters the actual number
is likely higher. On Feb. 21, Ukraine’s foreign intelligence service said that
by the end of 2025 more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African countries had
fought for Russia. The agency said recruiters target socially vulnerable youth,
people with limited access to education and jobs, and those with prior military
experience, often luring recruits with promises of civilian work as security
guards, drivers, or construction workers.