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 on the video released on Wednesday by a Ukrainian army brigade.
The 36-year-old prisoner-of-war is wearing a red sports top. The brigade's flag is pinned up behind him.
The aspiring long-distance runner says he was tricked into joining the Russian army and is desperate to go home to see his 16-year-old daughter.
In a Facebook post accompanying the video, the 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade claimed it showcased the plight of foreign recruits in the Russian army, but added that Kibet had fought on the side of the enemy, leaving his truthfulness in question.
This case highlights a troubling trend: Kibet, now a captive, joins a rare list of foreign nationals caught up in the ongoing conflict—an experience mirrored by many from less affluent countries.
Kibet had dedicated his life to running—training rigorously yet struggling to achieve financial security through his passion. His story took a dark turn after a promise of a racing opportunity in Russia led him into a deceptive recruitment for the army.
Describing his capture, he says, I was told: 'Either you go to fight or we'll kill you.' Kibet ultimately fled and surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers while pleading for mercy.
His family back in Kenya is reeling from shock at the news. His cousin expressed, I am so traumatised. I didn't sleep at night. I don't even know what to say.
As his loved ones advocate for his return, the Kenyan government faces the challenge of intervening in Kibet's plight, illustrating the broader implications of foreign nationals caught in warfare amidst geopolitical tensions.
I will die there, Evans Kibet says, waving his hands in the air towards the unseen interviewer on the video released on Wednesday by a Ukrainian army brigade.
The 36-year-old prisoner-of-war is wearing a red sports top. The brigade's flag is pinned up behind him.
The aspiring long-distance runner says he was tricked into joining the Russian army and is desperate to go home to see his 16-year-old daughter.
In a Facebook post accompanying the video, the 57th Separate Motorised Infantry Brigade claimed it showcased the plight of foreign recruits in the Russian army, but added that Kibet had fought on the side of the enemy, leaving his truthfulness in question.
This case highlights a troubling trend: Kibet, now a captive, joins a rare list of foreign nationals caught up in the ongoing conflict—an experience mirrored by many from less affluent countries.
Kibet had dedicated his life to running—training rigorously yet struggling to achieve financial security through his passion. His story took a dark turn after a promise of a racing opportunity in Russia led him into a deceptive recruitment for the army.
Describing his capture, he says, I was told: 'Either you go to fight or we'll kill you.' Kibet ultimately fled and surrendered to Ukrainian soldiers while pleading for mercy.
His family back in Kenya is reeling from shock at the news. His cousin expressed, I am so traumatised. I didn't sleep at night. I don't even know what to say.
As his loved ones advocate for his return, the Kenyan government faces the challenge of intervening in Kibet's plight, illustrating the broader implications of foreign nationals caught in warfare amidst geopolitical tensions.
