Media: Putin lures migrants from 100+ countries to die in Ukraine

Desperate migrants from Africa, Asia, and Latin America are increasingly being drawn into Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine under false pretences, highlighting the exploitation of global labour migration networks by the Kremlin, The Telegraph reports.

Emmanuel, a young man from Cameroon, thought he was taking a legitimate opportunity to work in Russia as a cook or security guard.

“I didn’t hesitate, I thought that given the salary and other benefits offered, I could finally help my family escape this poverty,” he told researchers at the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI). But upon arrival, he discovered that the promised rear-line employment was a lie—he was sent directly to the front, where the average life expectancy of a new recruit is around 72 hours.

The phenomenon reflects a broader strategy by Russia to supplement its dwindling forces. Ukrainian sources report that Russia loses up to 1,000 troops killed or wounded daily, creating a high demand for recruits. According to Kyiv’s estimates, Russia has enlisted roughly 18,000 foreigners from 128 countries, with 3,300 already killed. A survey of over 10,000 Russian prisoners captured by Ukraine found seven per cent were foreign fighters from 40 countries.

Experts describe the recruitment as operating “like human trafficking,” with recruiters often exploiting pre-existing migrant labour networks. Thierry Vircoulon of IFRI said, “It’s the exploitation of migrant labour, and Russia is aware of those countries that have a lot of migrants, and they have decided to use those networks to get some labour… It’s really the same actors, I would say.”

Russia’s recruitment efforts are boosted by decades of Cold War-era influence in Africa, now amplified through social media. African influencers are flown to Russia to showcase opportunities and a luxurious lifestyle, creating the impression of a welcoming environment. Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram have become arenas for information warfare, shaping narratives of Russia as an anti-colonial partner.

The lure is not only financial. Wages of approximately £1,700 ($2,300) per month and perks such as Russian passports are heavily advertised, but deception is rampant. Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, a Russian recruiter, allegedly sent nearly 500 invitations to foreigners via Telegram, promising non-combat roles but ultimately sending them to the front lines. Many recruits report signing paperwork they cannot read, having their passports confiscated, and being threatened at gunpoint.

Richard Akantoran, a 43-year-old Ugandan, told Ukrainian interrogators: “If they are promising you well-paying jobs in Russia, you are going to end up in the army… Don’t come, don’t be deceived.”

African governments, including South Africa and Kenya, have issued warnings and demanded the repatriation of their citizens, but the scope of recruitment and the ongoing exploitation continue to grow. As Russia increasingly targets vulnerable migrant communities, the intersection of economic desperation and military conscription raises urgent questions about the ethics and consequences of such practices.

By Aghakazim Guliyev