More than 28,000 foreigners from 136 countries are fighting for Russia — Main Intelligence Directorate
According to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, more than 28,000 foreigners from 136 countries have already signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces, and this number is growing. It is noted that some of the mercenaries are being held on the front lines against their will even after their contracts have expired.
This was reported with reference to a statement by Dmytro Usov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate and secretary of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, during the presentation of the report “Combatants, Mercenaries, or Victims of Human Trafficking? How Russia Exploits Foreign Fighters in the War Against Ukraine.”
According to him, 28,391 foreigners have been identified so far for whom the Ukrainian side possesses personal data, including citizenship.
"This is the figure that is directly known as specific personal data. That is, we are working with specific full names, personal data, and (data on—ed.) the citizenship of these (people—ed.)," Usov noted.
According to intelligence reports, citizens of 136 countries are fighting in the Russian forces. However, this figure does not include soldiers from North Korea, estimated to number nearly 14,100.
Usov also emphasized that Russia effectively does not release foreigners after their contracts expire. According to him, at least 3,080 people remain in the military even after the formal end of their service.
"I want to draw attention to the figure of 3,080 people—these are foreign nationals who signed contracts that have expired, but they have not left the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces. Russia will continue to use them," he emphasized.
In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to continue increasing the recruitment of foreigners. According to Usov, in 2026, Moscow intends to sign nearly 19,000 more contracts with citizens of other countries.
Intelligence reports also note an increase in the number of foreigners being taken prisoner. Currently, there are citizens of 48 countries among the prisoners, numbering in the hundreds.
According to Usov, foreigners are being recruited not only into combat units but also into enterprises within the military-industrial complex, after which they can be used in the war.
He added that Russia uses foreigners as “pioneers”—they are deployed in assaults to identify the positions of Ukrainian forces.
"In other words, Russia uses them in human wave assaults, deploying them directly in assaults on various tactical fronts," Usov noted.
According to him, among the foreigners recruited by Russia are citizens of CSTO countries, as well as states in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Russia has lost over 1,000 more troops and two air defense systems in the waragainst Ukraine.
As a reminder, in the village of Dobrye in the Graivoronsky District of the Belgorod Region of the Russian Federation, two men were wounded as a result of two guided aerial bombs striking the area.
In three border districts of Russia’s Belgorod Oblast—Shebekinsky, Borisovsky, and Graivoronsky—the installation of anti-drone corridors has begun.
As a reminder, on the night of March 8, a powerful missile strike was launched against energy facilities in Belgorod and the Belgorod District.
Due to the shelling, Belgorod was left without electricity and heating.
Additionally, a gas pipeline was damaged in the Belgorod region, and schools are closed.
