A video posted online appears to show Russian soldiers abusing an African mercenary. According to the Telegram channel Exilenova+, the man was sent on a combat mission with a TM-62 anti-tank mine tied to his chest.
The outlet says the mercenary, identified as Frantsisk, was effectively “reassigned” from infantryman to a suicide bomber. During the filming, Russian servicemen demean him and use a racist slur, calling him “charcoal.”
“Frantsisk himself is likely not thrilled with such a ‘promotion,’ though the recruitment center probably didn’t tell him who and what he would be fighting for,” the video’s description reads.
Off camera, one Russian soldier says the mercenary “will now run into the woods,” while threatening him with an automatic weapon.
Earlier, in March 2025, Donbas News reported that African mercenaries serving with Russian forces were being trained for assault operations in forested areas, including using mopeds and motorcycles.
Later, videos also surfaced from Ukraine’s 93rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, which captured an African mercenary in Donetsk region.
One such case was also recorded in Toretsk.
