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[INTERNATIONAL] · Russia, Ukraine, Dominican Republic, Ghana, Kenya · 4 sources

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Part of situation: Russian recruitment of foreign nationals via human rights (18 clusters)

Russia recruitment of foreign nationals under investigation

Russian military recruitment foreign mercenaries human trafficking Ukraine war war profiteering

Investigations into the Russian military's recruitment practices during the invasion of Ukraine reveal a widespread use of foreign nationals. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) warns that Russia may be employing a system of recruiting foreigners that could constitute human trafficking. The FIDH estimates that at least 27,000 individuals from more than 130 countries have been recruited by the Russian Armed Forces since February 2022.

Ukrainian intelligence services report that approximately 3,000 Africans have joined the Russian military, including individuals from Ghana, Kenya, Cameroon, Uganda, Gambia, Zimbabwe, and the Central African Republic. Many recruits are reportedly driven by economic necessity, lured by promises of high salaries and Russian citizenship.

Further investigations by The Insider highlight that the Russian state utilizes state-funded organizations and highly paid intermediaries to attract and select contract soldiers. These networks involve various subcontractors who receive significant payments for every new recruit signed. Meanwhile, casualty reports from Mediazona and the BBC indicate that over 242,000 Russian soldiers have died in combat since the conflict began.

Entities

Donetsk · International Federation for Human Rights · N Investiga · Russia · Russian Armed Forces · The Insider · Ukraine

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Ukrainian services estimate approximately 3,000 Africans have joined the Russian army, part of a total of 18,000 to 20,000 foreign recruits. neocontinent.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] At least 27,000 people from over 130 countries have been recruited by the Russian Armed Forces since February 2022. azuanoticias.com · n.com.do
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] More than 242,000 Russian soldiers have died in combat since the start of the war in Ukraine. www.geo.fr
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The FIDH warns that Russia's recruitment of foreigners may constitute human trafficking. azuanoticias.com · n.com.do
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Russian state uses paid intermediaries and state-funded organizations to recruit soldiers. www.geo.fr

Sources

Recrues africaines de l'armée russe : l'enquête [neocontinent.com]
Dominicano En Rusia Dice Que La Guerra Entre Rusia Y Ucrania Es Más Cruel Que La De Irak: “Del Frente Se Sale Por Pedazos” [azuanoticias.com]
Dominicano en Rusia dice que la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania es más cruel que la de Irak: “Del frente se sale por pedazos” [n.com.do]
Guerre en Ukraine: d'obscurs réseaux recrutent la chair à canon pour le compte de la Russie [www.geo.fr]