Nigerians who want to battle Russian forces in Ukraine must pay $1,000 for airfares and permits, according to the Ukraine Embassy in Nigeria.
This comes after some Nigerians indicated an interest in helping Ukraine battle Russia.
In an interview with Punch, Bohdan Soltys, the Second Secretary at the Ukrainian Embassy in Nigeria, stated that Nigerian volunteers would require $1,000.
Nigerians would find it difficult to fly to Ukraine now that the airspace has been closed owing to the fighting, according to Soltys.
He went on to say that because Nigerians need permits to visit Romania and Poland, crossing the border by land would be tough.
Soltys stated, “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 that we 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.
“In this particular case, you cannot fly to Ukraine. The only way you can fly is to countries that border Ukraine. All these countries are part of the EU and Nigerians will need visas to visit these countries. So, it is a big obstacle. You cannot fly directly to Ukraine. You will have to go to Poland or Hungary.”
When questioned why Nigerians must pay $1,000, the Ukrainian diplomat replied, “Yes, $1,000.” That was the price I had to pay the last time I went to Ukraine.”
Soltys, who praised Nigeria for voting in favor of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly, urged Nigerians not to be offended if they were victims of prejudice during the evacuation in Ukraine.
He went on to say that in times of war, people are forced to act out of character.
