HARARE - Western intelligence and independent analysts estimate Russia is suffering 1,000 to 1,300 total casualties per day in Ukraine, with 300 to 500 soldiers killed daily. But for some young Zimbabwean men, the “invincible bear” myth still holds.
“We know that both the East and the West rely on propaganda too. For instance, how can we verify that indeed those figures are true,” said a young Bulawayo man who asked to use the pseudonym Bruce, fearing victimization. Bruce is among dozens lured by recruiters promising jobs, scholarships, or citizenship in Russia, only to end up on the frontlines of Ukraine.
In late March, four men appeared before Harare Magistrates’ Court facing human trafficking charges. Obert Hlavati, Tonderai Maphosa, Tanaka Malcon Gwarada, and Edson Dudzayi Nyamudeza were not asked to plead before Magistrate Jessi Kufa.
Prosecutors allege they conspired with a Russian national, Ivan, to traffic six Zimbabweans to Russia and into the war.
Days ago, security officials at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport intercepted two brothers boarding a flight to Moscow.
They claimed they were attending a university open event, but authorities grew suspicious and blocked their departure.
Recruiters target Zimbabwean men through social media and WhatsApp, promising high-paying construction or driving jobs, university scholarships, or instant Russian citizenship.
Russia’s propaganda machine fuels the pipeline - pushing anti-colonial rhetoric, historical revisionism, and the “firehose of falsehood” model to portray its military as invincible and the West as collapsing.
It exploits liberation war nostalgia, framing Moscow as a liberator against Western imperialism.
Many young men, like Bruce, still believe Russia has the upper hand despite the mounting casualty figures. Following the death in Russia of Mthwakazi Republic Party member Wisdom Mkhwananzi, party leader Mqondisi Moyo told Mopane News: “What cannot be ignored is the broader reality that many young people from Mthwakazi (Matabeleland region) and other parts of Zimbabwe have, for decades, been compelled to seek opportunities beyond their homeland due to severe economic hardship, unemployment, political exclusion, and limited prospects for social advancement.
"These conditions have resulted in large-scale migration across the globe as people search for livelihoods and opportunities that are often unavailable at home.”
At least 15 Zimbabwean citizens have been killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Approximately 66 Zimbabweans are currently active or trapped on the frontlines, out of an estimated 81 recruited, according to government figures.
How many more will be recruited or voluntarily enlist remains unknown.