Russia Denies Allegations of Coercion
Russia has firmly denied allegations that it is coercing African students, including Nigerians, to join the ongoing war in Ukraine in exchange for visa extensions. This denial follows a Bloomberg report claiming Russia is enlisting thousands of migrants and foreign students to reinforce its military efforts. According to the Russian Embassy, there is no evidence to support these claims, as no association of foreign students, particularly Nigerians, has testified to such allegations. Additionally, the embassy confirmed that foreign students face no issues renewing their visas.
Potential Damage to Educational Ties
Furthermore, Russia decries participation in the war with Ukraine in exchange for visa, stressing the potential damage that could cause to educational ties with other countries. The embassy emphasised the importance of accurate information to maintain and strengthen international educational cooperation. Consequently, the Russian government remains committed to fostering positive relationships with countries whose students study in Russia.
Rejection of Misinformation
The Russian embassy in Nigeria praised the efforts of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Association of Nigerian Students in Moscow for debunking these false claims. The embassy reiterated its commitment to fostering friendship and cooperation between Russia and Nigeria.
Official Statement
In an official statement, the embassy declared, “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.”
Continued Cooperation
The statement further assured that Nigerian students face no difficulties in extending their visas while continuing their studies in Russia. It highlighted that numerous associations of Nigerian students in Russia have not reported any issues in obtaining the necessary documentation to continue their stay in the country.
Follow us on Socials: