The Ukraine embassy in Nigeria has told Nigerians who have indicated an interest in joining Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces that they will not travel to Ukraine for free.
It was earlier reported that over a hundred young Nigerians stormed the Ukraine embassy in Abuja on Tuesday to volunteer to join Ukraine in the fight against Russian forces.
However, at the Ukraine Embassy in Abuja, the Nigerian volunteers were told to put down their names in a register provided by the embassy. The Nigerian volunteers were informed that they will have to provide $1,000 for their visa and ticket to Ukraine.
The Second Secretary at the embassy, Bohdan Soltys while addressing the young able-bodied men said another challenge that would hinder them from traveling to Ukraine now, is the airspace which had been shut due to the war.
“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 which we really 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 punch quoted him as saying.
On why $1,000 was being demanded from Nigerians, Soltys said, “Yes, $1,000. That is what I paid the last time I visited Ukraine.”
Nonsense that means paying money to go and committee suicide.