Russia built global recruitment pipeline targeting vulnerable migrants for Ukraine war: report

Russia built global recruitment pipeline targeting vulnerable migrants for Ukraine war: report

At least 27,000 foreign nationals recruited since 2022, with Ukrainian authorities projecting 18,500 more in 2026 alone, the report says

Nationals of African countries sit in a section of a detention center holding foreign fighters captured while serving in the Russian army on the Ukrainian front in western Ukraine on Nov. 26, 2025. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

Nationals of African countries sit in a section of a detention center holding foreign fighters captured while serving in the Russian army on the Ukrainian front in western Ukraine on Nov. 26, 2025. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

Nationals of African countries watch television in a detention center in western Ukraine holding foreign fighters captured while serving with Russian forces on the Ukrainian front on Nov. 26, 2025. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

Nationals of African countries watch television in a detention center in western Ukraine holding foreign fighters captured while serving with Russian forces on the Ukrainian front on Nov. 26, 2025. (Genya Savilov/AFP via Getty Images)

A Russian service member stands next to a mobile recruitment center for military service under contract in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Sept. 17, 2022. (Sergey Pivovarov/Reuters)

A Russian service member stands next to a mobile recruitment center for military service under contract in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, Sept. 17, 2022. (Sergey Pivovarov/Reuters)

Russian and Chechen soldiers in a devastated Mariupol neighborhood close to the Azovstal frontline. (Maximilian Clarke/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Russian and Chechen soldiers in a devastated Mariupol neighborhood close to the Azovstal frontline. (Maximilian Clarke/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Support Everyday Chronicle
Global reporting requires independent voices. If you value our coverage, please consider a small contribution to help us grow.
​Click the button below to make a secure donation