RF plans to recruit a record 18,500 foreigners into the army in 2026 - HUR
Kyiv • UNN
In 2026, the RF plans to recruit 18,500 foreigners for the war against Ukraine. Currently, tens of thousands of mercenaries from 48 countries are fighting in the occupying army.
In 2026, Russia plans to recruit a record 18,500 foreigners into its army. This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (GUR), UNN informs.
Details
It is noted that this is an important resource for the aggressor state against the backdrop of massive losses of its own population in the war against Ukraine. At the same time, the recruitment of foreign citizens into the Russian occupation army worldwide strengthens transnational human trafficking networks and, therefore, poses a challenge to global security.
The responsibility for the consequences of uncontrolled and illegal recruitment of foreigners through coercion and deception, both on the territory of Russia and in various countries around the world, lies entirely with the Kremlin
According to him, the losses of foreign mercenaries of the Russian army in "meat assaults" in the war against Ukraine amount to at least 5,149 people.
"Some were lucky—they were taken into Ukrainian captivity. Today, the Coordination Headquarters cares for mercenaries from 48 countries: among the 'top' ones are Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Belarus," Usov specified.
Reference
Currently, more than 13,000 citizens from Central Asian countries, over 1,800 from South Asia, nearly 3,000 from Africa, more than 1,500 from Latin America, as well as about 14,000 from the DPRK, are fighting as part of the Russian occupation army.
Recall
In India, the disappearance of 26 men who went to the Russian Federation for work but were forced to fight against Ukraine is being investigated. The government reports the deaths of 10 Indians, most of whom signed voluntary contracts.