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Russia expands foreign recruitment for Ukraine war
Russia is conducting extensive recruitment campaigns targeting foreign nationals to bolster its military forces in the war against Ukraine. Investigations reveal a systematic approach using social media, messaging apps like Telegram and Viber, and deceptive advertisements to attract vulnerable populations.
In Africa, the collective All Eyes on Wagner reports that approximately 1,417 individuals from 35 countries have been enrolled by the Russian army between January 2023 and September 2025, with at least 316 deaths reported. Some campaigns have reportedly used fraudulent advertisements, such as promising roles in action films to lure young men. Code for Africa has identified dozens of websites and social media accounts linked to these efforts.
In Belarus, recruitment efforts exploit economic instability and political dependence on Moscow. Advertisements promise high salaries, housing, and rapid Russian citizenship to entice citizens, often appearing alongside routine community posts.
In Latin America, recruitment is also expanding. Authorities in Peru have reported that 459 Peruvians are fighting for Russia. Several governments, including India, Nepal, Ghana, Peru, and Cuba, have officially requested Moscow to cease the recruitment of their citizens.
Entities
Alexander Lukashenko · All Eyes on Wagner · Code for Africa · Russia · Russia · Ukraine · Vladimir Putin
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Recruitment tactics include promising high salaries, housing, and Russian citizenship. pt.euronews.com · www.stiripesurse.ro · safenews.md · 24-ore.com · matinlibre.com · +1 more
- [● 6 SOURCES] Russia is recruiting foreign nationals to compensate for manpower losses on the front lines in Ukraine. safenews.md · matinlibre.com · pt.euronews.com · www.stiripesurse.ro · 24-ore.com · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Code for Africa identified 89 websites, seven Facebook accounts, and 39 messaging app accounts linked to Russian recruitment campaigns. www.stiripesurse.ro
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Some recruitment campaigns have used deceptive advertisements, such as promising roles in action films to African youth. www.stiripesurse.ro
- [○ 1 SOURCE] At least 316 Africans have died while fighting in Ukraine. matinlibre.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Authorities in Lima report that 459 Peruvians are fighting for Russia. safenews.md
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 1,417 Africans from 35 countries have been enrolled by the Russian army between January 2023 and September 2025. matinlibre.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Governments including India, Nepal, Ghana, Peru, and Cuba have officially requested Moscow to stop recruiting their citizens. www.stiripesurse.ro