Over the past two years, Ukraine has successfully suspended or significantly reduced Russia’s campaigns to recruit foreign mercenaries in more than 36 countries. This was announced by Dmytro Usov, Secretary of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War and a representative of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, during the presentation of a special report, as reported by Ukrinform.
“During 2025-2026, we suspended recruitment into the Russian army in more than 30 countries. This is a very powerful result, which demonstrates joint teamwork at the level of the Coordination Headquarters, our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and all our international partners,” Usov emphasized, acknowledging that the fight against this global network continues.
Ukrainian intelligence describes the Kremlin’s tactics as “predatory recruitment.” This term perfectly encapsulates Russia’s essence: a predatory approach to capturing territories, disregarding international humanitarian law, and exploiting vulnerable foreigners. Currently, Ukraine has identified over 28,000 foreign citizens from 136 countries who have joined the Russian occupation forces. This staggering figure does not even include the regular North Korean army contingent of over 14,000 troops deployed to support Moscow.
The treatment of foreign mercenaries within the Russian military ranks is notoriously brutal. They are frequently used as “cannon fodder” in high-casualty “meat assaults.” Russian commanders cynically refer to these foreign recruits as “openers,” as they are sent into battle first to expose Ukrainian firing positions, almost guaranteeing their demise. Furthermore, those who survive their initial contracts are often forcibly retained in the army or coerced into working at Russian military-industrial enterprises.
Despite these grim realities, Russia actively continues its search for fresh recruits to replenish its severe battlefield losses. In 2026 alone, the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to enlist approximately 20,000 more foreigners. While Ukraine’s diplomatic efforts have successfully curbed recruitment from countries like Cuba, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India, and Egypt, Moscow has shifted its focus. The current targets are primarily labor migrants from Central Asian countries (such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan), as well as citizens of Bangladesh and impoverished nations in Africa.
Within Russia, the recruitment mechanism for migrants relies heavily on coercion and blackmail. Russian authorities deliberately create bureaucratic hurdles regarding visas and legal status. Migrants are then presented with a bleak ultimatum: face up to eight years in prison for fabricated or minor migration violations, or sign a military contract and head to the frontlines in Ukraine. To counter these deceitful tactics globally, Ukraine plans to launch a new English-language resource, “Stop Russian recruiting,” aimed at warning potential victims before they fall into the Kremlin’s deadly trap.