Ukraine Embassy in Nigeria on Thursday disclosed that Nigerians who desire to travel to Ukraine to fight Russian troops must pay $1,000 for tickets and visas.
This is coming after some Nigerians expressed interest to join Ukraine in their fight against Russia.
The Second Secretary at the Ukrainian Embassy to Nigeria, Bohdan Soltys, in an interview with Punch noted that $1,000 would be needed by Nigerian volunteers.
According to Soltys, it would be difficult for Nigerians to travel to Ukraine now since the airspace had been shut due to the war.
He further stated that since Nigerians need visas to visit Romania and Poland, it would be difficult for them to use the land borders.
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.”
The Ukrainian diplomat when asked why Nigerians have to pay $1,000 said, “Yes, $1,000. That is what I paid the last time I visited Ukraine.”
Soltys who lauded Nigeria for voting in support of Ukraine at the United Nations General Assembly, pleaded with Nigerians who may have been victims of racism during the evacuation in Ukraine not to feel offended.
He added that war situations sometimes force people to act out of character.
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