President William Ruto has requested Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to facilitate the release of any Kenyan detained in Ukraine, who was illegally recruited to fight in the war.

This follows a telephone conversation, where the two leaders agreed to sensitize the public on the risks posed by the Russia-Ukraine war. Ruto also disclosed that Zelensky agreed to the request.

“I have had a fruitful conversation with President Zelensky of Ukraine, and discussed various issues of mutual interest between our two peoples and countries,” Ruto said.

“We expressed concern over young Kenyans who have been illegally recruited to fight in the war in Ukraine, and agreed to raise awareness of the dangers of such ventures, “he added.

He also commended President Zelensky for the Ukraine Food Summit his country is set to host later this month, while reaffirming the deepening of bilateral relations between the two nations.

In a separate statement, Zelensky confirmed the discussion, noting that he updated Ruto about the impact of Russia’s attacks on Ukrainians and infrastructure.

Zelensky reiterated that the two countries will work together to thwart Russia’s efforts in recruiting non-suspecting Kenyan citizens to participate in the war.

“I am grateful for President Ruto’s warm words of support. We touched upon the issue of Russia’s recruitment of foreign citizens into its criminal war. We are aware of all the fraudulent methods being used and will work more closely to put an end to them,” Zelensky stated.

The two leaders also deliberated on the issue of Ukrainian children, including the decision by Ukraine to submit to the United Nations, a resolution condemning Russia’s illegal abduction and deportation of Ukrainian children.