Russia is recruiting former Afghan military personnel, special forces fighters, and intelligence operatives to participate in the war against Ukraine.
This was reported to Ukrinform by Oleg Alexandrov, an officer of the Ukrainian Foreign Intelligence Service.
“We are observing active operations by Russian intelligence services in Afghanistan. They are recruiting former Afghan military personnel, special forces, and intelligence officers for the war against Ukraine. Recruitment has been facilitated by the U.S. decision in March 2025 to end the Temporary Protected Status program for Afghan nationals and begin deporting Afghan refugees from Iran,” he said.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, Russia promises Afghan recruits a monthly salary of $1,500–$2,500, as well as the possibility of obtaining Russian citizenship or a temporary residence permit.
In total, there are about 20–25 thousand Afghan military personnel trained by instructors from the U.S., the U.K., and other NATO countries.
Foreign Intelligence Service also reports that Russia is seeking volunteers in Iran under the pretext of job offers for security work in Russia. Recruitment is carried out through centers connected to the GRU, such as PMC Redut and Convoy, as well as various religious organizations.
Transfers to Russia usually occur by plane from Iran to Russian military centers in the Rostov, Voronezh, or Kazan regions, where recruits undergo accelerated training in firearms, assault tactics, and Russian weaponry.
Recruitment also takes place in Iraq, led by a group of Russian citizens of Iraqi origin. Iraqis are offered salaries of $2,500–$3,000, medical treatment if injured, $10,000 for buying or building housing in Russia, and Russian citizenship for themselves, their children, and parents. Currently, 1,400 Iraqi citizens are serving in the Russian army.
In Africa and the Middle East, including Yemen, Ethiopia, and Sudan, Russian diplomatic missions assist in recruiting mercenaries and provide consular support for travel to Russia.
In Latin America and the Caribbean, recruits are primarily recruited through Telegram and TikTok, where military service is presented attractively. Such advertising also targets individuals with prior military experience.
Foreign Intelligence Service officers report that citizens from Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean have contacted their countries’ consulates in Russia requesting help to cancel contracts with the Russian Armed Forces and return home.
In response, these consulates are conducting awareness campaigns in their home countries to reduce the number of people deceived into joining Russia’s war against Ukraine.
