President William Ruto's recent intervention regarding Kenyans illegally recruited to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war has ignited significant criticism, with many deeming his response belated and reactive. Families and victims' voices have been crying out in desperation, a plight that gained widespread attention through extensive media investigations and overwhelming public outcry, particularly from The Standard. Despite the grave and highly publicized nature of Kenyans trapped and fighting in a war they knew nothing about, Ruto's diplomatic efforts emerged only after considerable external pressure.

On Thursday evening, April 1, 2025, President Ruto announced on his X-platform that he had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During this crucial discussion, Ruto specifically requested the release of Kenyan nationals who were reportedly detained in Ukraine after being illegally recruited. President Ruto expressed gratitude, stating that President Zelensky acceded to his appeal, marking a welcome but notably belated diplomatic step.

Beyond the immediate issue of detained Kenyans, the two leaders also engaged in broader discussions. They agreed to collaborate on initiatives aimed at raising public awareness about the severe dangers associated with traveling abroad under false job promises. Furthermore, their conversation touched upon other areas of mutual interest, including the upcoming Ukraine Food Summit, highlighting a wider diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Ukraine.