Dominicans recruited for Russian military service face debt and prison

Dominican nationals, lured by job offers, are being incorporated into the Russian military to fight in the war against Ukraine. Investigations into these cases have uncovered Russian military contracts that bind recruits to service under strict conditions.

According to documents based on Order No. 625 from the Russian Ministry of Defense, issued in September 2023, these contracts mandate a one-year service term. Recruits are obligated to defend the Russian Federation and adhere to military norms. A significant clause stipulates that anyone who leaves before the term expires must reimburse the federal budget for their military training costs, though specific debt amounts in reviewed documents were left blank.

Legal experts note that leaving the military is not a matter of personal choice; early departure is only permitted for justified causes, such as debilitating injuries or death. Furthermore, desertion under Russian law can result in prison sentences ranging from five to 20 years.