Russia is increasingly recruiting men from the world’s poorest countries to fight in its war against Ukraine, a DW investigation has found. Moscow has established a global network to attract foreign nationals, often through deception or coercion.

Charles Mutoka, a 72-year-old Kenyan, lost his son Oscar Khagola Mutoka, who traveled to Russia in summer 2025 seeking work. After sending a photo in military uniform, Oscar disappeared. His family later learned of his death but could not recover his body, holding a symbolic memorial in May 2026.

Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence estimates Russia has recruited over 27,000 foreign nationals. A joint study by human rights organizations reveals that recruitment targets people in precarious economic, social, and legal situations, using enticing offers, deception, and even coercion.

Cuban national Yoan Viondi Mendoza was promised $2,000 per month—far above Cuba’s average wage of $20. His brother Michael Duro said Yoan joined a “project” in Russia, was sent to the front, and tried to escape. He later appeared on Ukrainian lists of killed foreign fighters.

Bangladeshi Arman Mondol was promised a warehouse job but forced to sign a Russian-language contract. He claims foreign recruits were used as human shields. After surviving a landmine blast, he escaped and returned home with shrapnel in his leg, but remains unemployed.

Experts argue this amounts to human trafficking, violating international conventions. Russia claims participation is voluntary. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that “volunteers” join in compliance with Russian law. However, families from Nepal to Peru have protested, and some leaders have raised the issue with Putin.

Source: www.dw.com