Sierra Leonean Captured in Ukraine Says He Would Prefer Returning to Russia

A Sierra Leonean prisoner of war (POW) captured in Ukraine has revealed that he would not return to Sierra Leone if released, saying he would rather go back to Russia despite the circumstances that led him into the conflict.

Richard Kanu, who was captured while fighting for Russian forces on the frontline in Ukraine, said he was recruited under a false employment scheme while living in Sierra Leone. According to Kanu, he viewed the opportunity as a way to escape economic hardship and raise funds to support his teenage daughter, Elsie, in pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.

Kanu travelled to Russia believing he had secured legitimate employment. However, he later discovered that the recruitment arrangement was fraudulent. He said he was subsequently compelled to sign a military contract, which eventually led to his deployment to the battlefield in Ukraine.