16 Dec 2025

The Ministry of International Relations is working on ascertaining the authenticity of the report on the matter relating to two males who allegedly fell victim to a dubious recruitment process and to establish their whereabouts and condition.
According to a press release from the ministry, the two, aged 19 and 20, are alleged to fallen victim to a deceptive recruitment process and ended up fighting on the frontlines of the ongoing armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
The release states that the two young men were led to believe they would be enrolled in a short-term military school training programme in Russia.
According to the release, the ministry received a report saying the two allegedly found themselves deployed in active combat zones linked to the conflict.
Meanwhile, the ministry has cautioned Batswana youth against falling prey to dubious and life-threatening international recruitment schemes, particularly those offering monetary benefits in exchange for participation in combat activities.
The ministry further urged the youth to consult relevant authorities, including Botswana diplomatic missions to verify the authenticity of any questionable recruitment offers before committing to them. ENDS