Russia has used deceptive, coercive and exploitative methods to recruit foreign nationals into its armed forces to fight against Ukraine, practices that in many cases amount to human rights violations and human trafficking, according to Amnesty International.
The international human rights organisation detailed its findings in a new report examining Russia’s recruitment of foreign nationals for military service.
Amnesty International interviewed citizens of Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Somalia and South Africa held in two Ukrainian prisoner-of-war camps between 2024 and 2026. It also spoke with foreign nationals currently serving in the Russian armed forces, as well as their family members, lawyers, human rights defenders and journalists.
According to the report, Russian authorities have exploited the irregular migration status of people who remained in the country after their work visas expired, as well as the vulnerable position of foreign nationals accused of criminal offences, presenting military service as a more favourable alternative to detention and deportation.
For example, Cuban and Egyptian nationals suspected of drug possession were reportedly offered military contracts instead of imprisonment.
Russia has also concealed or misrepresented the nature of service in its armed forces. Migrants were told that they would perform support roles unrelated to combat, such as working in kitchens or serving as drivers behind the front line.
According to Amnesty International, local Russian recruitment agents and misleading online advertisements have played a key role in the process. Citizens of Brazil, Colombia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa and Sri Lanka said they had initially been promised civilian jobs in security, logistics, construction, information technology and other sectors.
All those interviewed reported significant restrictions on their freedom of movement after signing military contracts. Many also described inadequate training, shortages of equipment and difficulties communicating with commanders because of language barriers.
Amnesty International said the documented patterns raise serious concerns about Russia’s involvement in human trafficking and other serious human rights violations.
