Russia has enlisted at least 27,000 foreigners in the war against Ukraine, according to human rights activists
Russia has established a global system of “predatory recruitment” of citizens from Asia, Africa, and Latin America to participate in the war against Ukraine, often resorting to deception, coercion, and pressure on vulnerable groups.
This is stated in a joint report by the International Federation for Human Rights and the Ukrainian human rights organization Truth Hounds, presented in Kyiv.
According to Ukrainian authorities cited by the report’s authors, Russia has recruited at least 27,000 foreigners from over 130 countries (excluding military personnel from North Korea). The largest groups include citizens of Central Asian states, as well as people from South Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Human rights activists note that Russian authorities employ a systematic approach to recruitment, combining formally voluntary enlistment with “predatory” methods targeting socially and economically vulnerable people. After signing contracts, recruits are often sent to the most dangerous sections of the front line, where the likelihood of death is high.
The report also documents cases of raids on migrants’ places of residence and work, including mosques. Those detained were offered contracts as an alternative to deportation or criminal prosecution. Among the documented methods are the confiscation of documents, fabrication of charges, beatings, and torture.
It is separately noted that transnational networks were involved in the relocation of foreigners to Russia, luring people with promises of civilian work or the opportunity to enter European Union countries. Upon arrival, they were sent to military centers, where they were forced to sign contracts in Russian without translation.
The report’s authors believe that the Russian Federation is responsible for operating a global human trafficking scheme.
“The report debunks myths about Russia as a friend of the Global South waging an anti-imperialist war. The document clearly establishes that Russia resorts to every possible means to recruit for its neocolonial war in Ukraine—whether in Cuba, Cameroon, Kenya, or Kazakhstan,” stated Alexis Desvaf, president of the International Federation.
According to Ukrainian estimates, at least 3,388 foreign fighters have been killed in combat.
The International Federation for Human Rights and Truth Hounds are calling on the states whose citizens are being recruited by Russia for the war to hold those involved accountable for human trafficking and mercenary activities, as well as to inform the public about the associated risks.
As a reminder, Russia continues to recruit citizens of African countries for the war against Ukraine. People are lured with promises of work and then forcibly sent to the front lines. Such cases have been documented in several African countries.
Additionally, the Kremlin has launched a large-scale network to recruit citizens of European countries for destabilization campaigns and hybrid operations.
As a reminder, the SBU is issuing warnings about enemy recruitment following the terrorist attack in Bucha.
The Kremlin has also implemented a hybrid scheme for covertly recruiting foreigners for the war.
