Russian authorities have denied reports that they are compelling African students, particularly Nigerians, to fight in the ongoing war with Ukraine in exchange for visa extensions.
Bloomberg had reported that Russia was allegedly sending thousands of migrants and foreign students, including Nigerians, to fight alongside its troops in exchange for visa renewals.
In a statement issued by the Russian Embassy in Abuja and made available to ait.live, disclosed that the claims were entirely unfounded.
It explained: “The Embassy of the Russian Federation is compelled to emphasize that such news is not only false but also damages Russian-Nigerian educational cooperation by misleading numerous scholarship and grant applicants as well as their partners, who could be extremely concerned by such fakes.
“The Embassy states that Nigerian students face no difficulties in extending their visas while continuing their studies in Russia. Numerous associations of Nigerian students in Russia have not reported any issues in obtaining the necessary documentation to continue their stay in the country.
“The Embassy welcomes the official press release of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on this matter and expresses gratitude to the Ministry and the Association of Nigerian Students in Moscow for their efforts in debunking the fake news aimed at undermining the friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.”
(Editor : Ena Agbanoma)
