By Wisdom Deji-Folutile
The Ukraine embassy in Nigeria has said that Nigerians who are willing to travel to Ukraine to fight Russian forces must provide $1,000 for flight ticket and visa.
Reports have said that the embassy disclosed this on Thursday when some Nigerians converged on its premises in Abuja to express their readiness to fight on Ukraine’s side.
On February 24, Russian troops invaded Ukraine after Vladimir Putin, president of Russia, ordered a special operation to demilitarise the east European country.
Since the invasion, there have been reported casualties on both sides, and many residents of Ukraine, including Nigerians, are fleeing to neighbouring countries.
In an interview with The PUNCH, the second Secretary at the Ukrainian Embassy, Bohdan Soltys, confirmed that $1,000 will be needed by Nigerian volunteers.
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He also said it will be difficult for Nigerians to travel to Ukraine now since the airspace has been shut owing to the war.
“It is normal practice when people want to volunteer and join the army of another country. It is a normal international practice. Of course, for us, it is an expression of support which we really appreciate. For now, no one has gone. We have received hundreds of applications from people who said they are willing. We have sent lists to the government but I cannot tell you what will happen next,” he said.
On why $1,000 was being demanded from Nigerian volunteers, the Ukrainian diplomat said, “Yes, $1,000. That is what I paid the last time I visited Ukraine.”
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The reports were not met with cheer as prospective applicants found the need for $1000 a dismal development.
— Nigerians react —
One ex-Nigerian military officer, Monday Adikwu, said the $1,000 requirement is “too high”.
“They said we should provide evidence of military experience, passports, and $1,000 for tickets and others. When I asked what the salary is, the guy first said $7,000 and later changed it to $3,300 per month. I showed him my military and training certificates,” he said.
When asked why he wants to go to Ukraine, Adikwu said he needed money to take care of his family including six children, adding that he was not afraid of Russian forces.
Nkem Ndueche another applicant from Anambra state, said he was fluent in Russian having attended a Russian military academy in 2007, and that he was “101 percent ready to fight for Ukraine. It is wrong for someone to invade another person’s land”.
Nigerians on Twitter had diverse reactions, most questioning the need for $1000 (approx N418,000 according to the official dollar rate).
One Twitter user, @busayo__cole, called it a ‘silly move’ by Ukraine. “Ukraine asking Nigerians to pay $1000 to take them in and be enlisted in its army is a silly move.
Whatever their motivations are (possibly citizenship for many of them), they’re nothing compared to volunteering to risk their lives to fight the Russians,” the tweep said.
Nigerian youths 🇳🇬 betrayed Africa for food an they are the first born of Africa it's very sad that 1000 Nigerian youths joined Ukraine military against Russia because of food please Nigeria president this is disgrace for your country in face of african
— Gabriel sisto (@sisto_gabriel) March 4, 2022
@encyclopedia2 said, “How can someone pay for his death, a whole $1000 dollars. Pls, how much is death sef in Nigeria? #Ukraine no try for Nigeria oo”
@KING_TJB said, “People with military experience are supposed to pay $1000 in Nigeria to fight for Ukraine, lol I have never seen a mercenary that pays to fight for someone😂😂😂😂.”
Ukraine should pay the Nigeria volunteers 1000 dollars first in Nigeria to cover their logistics to Ukraine and deduct it from their salary when they get to Ukraine.
— Holla Holla (@y_olaitan) March 4, 2022
@ibk_eleja said, “I am seeing $1000 for ticket. Is that all?? Like we’d just go to Muritala and say Ukraine wa o and pay $1000. Ha, let me take my prayer water I touch down tomorrow.”
@IloyeItode said “Wait, it will cost you $1000 to join the Ukraine Army for visa and flight from Nigeria; then you get paid $3500 monthly as a soldier! Omo imagine a Nigerian soldier fighting bandits reading this 😳🤔”.
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