The Russian Embassy in Kenya says six civilians were killed and 37 others wounded after a missile strike hit the Russian city of Bryansk, marking the latest escalation in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, the embassy accused Ukraine of launching the strike and claimed the attack deliberately targeted civilians in the western Russian city near the Ukrainian border.

“6 civilians were killed and 37 wounded in a missile strike by Ukraine on Bryansk city in Russia. The Kiev regime deliberately targeted civilians,” the X post read.

Despite confirming the casualties, the Russian diplomatic mission in Nairobi could not immediately establish whether any Kenyan nationals were among the victims killed during the attack that left dozens nursing injuries.

In the statement, the embassy called on the international community to intervene as it faulted Ukraine for continued aggression against civilians. 

The incident comes at a time when concerns are growing among Kenyan families whose relatives travelled to Russia after being recruited to fight in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

 A report previously tabled in parliament by the National Intelligence Service (NIS) revealed that more than 1,000 Kenyans were illegally recruited into the Russian military after being lured with promises of lucrative salaries and bonuses.

Further updates submitted to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on February 8, 2026, revealed that at least 200 Kenyans had already been deployed into active combat roles on the front lines.

As of February 2026, authorities reported that 39 Kenyans were hospitalised, thirty had been repatriated, 28 remained missing in action, 35 were stationed in camps, and 89 were fighting on the front line.

Separate tallies suggest at least ten Kenyans have died in the war, though estimates warn the number could rise to 18, while four others remain prisoners of war in Ukrainian custody.

Meanwhile, Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) and Chairperson of the National Assembly Defence Committee, Nelson Koech, has revealed plans to lead a delegation to Russia to ensure the safe repatriation of Kenyan nationals who were illegally recruited to participate in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

In an interview on a local TV station on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Koech said Parliament had mandated him, alongside Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, to engage directly with Russian authorities.

“Parliament has mandated me, together with the Prime Cabinet Secretary, this weekend to travel to Russia to meet with the Government of Russia to ensure that our young men who were illegally recruited are repatriated back to the country. We are having meetings on Monday and Tuesday next week in Moscow,” Koech disclosed.