A recent video interview is gaining attention on social media, revealing the ordeal of Dosseh Koulekpato, a 27-year-old Togolese student whose aspiration to study medicine in Russia took a devastating turn on the frontlines in Ukraine.
Koulekpato says he was misled by false promises of stable employment in Russia. Unable to understand the documents—written in Russian—he unknowingly signed a military contract. He was later sent to fight in the war against Ukraine, where he was injured and left behind by his unit.
In the interview, he describes how Russia is targeting vulnerable African students and workers with deceptive recruitment tactics, leaving them abandoned on the battlefield. Now a prisoner of war in Ukraine, he faces the risk of amputation and possible prosecution.
“We only went to get information about what was supposed to be a job opportunity. Very quickly, they prepared the documents and had us sign them. Only afterward did they tell us we had signed a military contract. I don’t understand Russian—I can’t even read it,” Koulekpato said.
His story has triggered a range of reactions. While some denounce the exploitation he describes, others also criticize his decision and the failure of Togolese authorities to create opportunities for young graduates, many of whom are forced to look elsewhere for a better future.
Koulekpato is not alone. Similar cases have surfaced in recent months, including appeals from young Ghanaians in the same situation.
To date, the Togolese government has not issued any official response regarding the case.