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In an effort to curb its citizens from joining the conflict in Ukraine, Sri Lanka’s government has intensified actions following reports that 16 Sri Lankans were killed and dozens injured, as per AFP’s update on June 11.
According to the report from Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, Russia is progressively recruiting foreign mercenaries from economically troubled nations to participate in its invasion of Ukraine.
After suffering a harsh economic collapse in 2022, Sri Lanka grapples with escalating poverty rates, with World Bank statistics indicating approximately 26% of its population living below the poverty line in 2023. Follow this link for more info: World Bank.
A parliamentary inquiry was launched in May to locate the approximate 2,000 Sri Lankans thought to have “reportedly enlisted on both sides,” as mentioned by AFP.
Authorities have detained two former Sri Lankan generals under charges of illicitly recruiting for Russian mercenary organizations.
It has been reported that social media initiatives, mainly via WhatsApp, are being used to entice former military individuals in Sri Lanka with promises of high pay and Russian citizenship in exchange for service in Ukraine on Russia’s side.
Although the Sri Lankan officials have not disclosed numbers, they acknowledge that close to a dozen Sri Lankan nationals are detained as prisoners of war in Ukraine. Additionally, at least 22 individuals have reportedly deserted the Russian forces and returned to Sri Lanka, according to AFP.
Diplomatic discussions over the involvement of Sri Lankans in Russian forces took place during a BRICS ministerial conference in Moscow on June 10, as brought up by Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ali Sabry. Subsequent to talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Ministry declared an agreement that there will be “no further recruitment from Sri Lanka.”
Russia’s foreign recruitment efforts for the war in Ukraine have targeted nationals from Nepal, Somalia, India, Cuba, among other countries, since the start of the invasion.
Following the reports of increasing death tolls among Nepalese fighting for the Russian military in Ukraine, Nepal ceased the issuance of foreign work permits for Russia as of January. As stated by Nepal’s official figures, at least 10 Nepalese soldiers have been killed, and an estimated 200 might still be fighting for Russia.
Exploring Ukraine’s Approach to Employing Prisoners for Military Service
Facilities like the Zhytomyr medium-security prison offer inmates, including Taras Netavrovanyi who is serving a two-and-a-half-year term, the opportunity for early release in exchange for joining the military under new Ukrainian laws aimed at bolstering front-line forces.
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Note: This article has been synthesized by TheUBJ from different global news sources through AI news feed technology. The content here, while rewritten, is not originally produced by TheUBJ. See the original source for reference here: https://kyivindependent.com/afp-16-sri-lankans-killed/
FAQs about Sri Lankans in the Ukrainian Conflict
How many Sri Lankan nationals are reported to have been killed in the Ukrainian conflict?
According to AFP reports, 16 Sri Lankan nationals have been killed.
What actions has the Sri Lankan government taken in response to its citizens fighting in Ukraine?
The Sri Lankan government has set up a parliamentary inquiry to track down citizens who have enlisted and has stepped up efforts to prevent further recruitment.
Has Sri Lanka made any diplomatic moves regarding the recruitment of its nationals by Russia?
Yes, the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry has reached an agreement with Russia after the Foreign Minister’s visit to Moscow, stating that no further recruitment from Sri Lanka will be conducted.
Are other countries besides Sri Lanka affected by Russia’s recruitment of foreigners for the Ukraine conflict?
Yes, nationals from countries including Nepal, Somalia, India, and Cuba have been targeted for recruitment by Russia.
