Russia Systematically Recruits Africans for the War Against Ukraine Through Diplomatic Institutions
The Kremlin has changed its approach to recruiting foreigners into the Russian army to participate in the war against Ukraine. Now the recruitment of foreigners is carried out on a systematic basis, and Russian diplomatic and cultural missions are increasingly involved in the process.
This is reported by a study conducted by the Robert Lansing Institute.
Previously, the recruitment of foreigners was mostly carried out through semi-legal schemes and unofficial channels — closed groups in messaging applications, front companies, or employment intermediaries. However, according to researchers, recruitment is now becoming more organized and systematic.
It is noted that Russian diplomatic and cultural institutions in African countries are increasingly acting as recruitment centers.
According to available information, more than 1,400 citizens of African states who fought on the side of Russia have already been identified. At the same time, the deaths of at least 316 of them have been confirmed. A significant number of these foreigners died less than a month after arriving at the front.
Researchers emphasize that many of these people were misled at the selection stage. They were promised jobs in the civilian sector, but after arriving in Russia they were effectively sent to fight.
It is also noted that after a strong reaction from the governments of certain African states, Moscow stopped recruiting citizens from those countries. According to analysts, Russia formed an unofficial “black list” of states where recruitment has been suspended.
At the same time, in a number of other African countries the recruitment of foreigners into the Russian army continues.
It should be recalled that Russia has intensified a multi-level campaign in African countries, combining educational, cultural, and religious initiatives with hidden recruitment of citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine and to work at defense enterprises. Currently, more than 1,400 Africans are already involved in such activities.
The State Security Service of Latvia officially confirmed the change in tactics of Russian intelligence services in the country.
