Ukraine launches website on Russian recruitment of foreign fighters

The Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, in cooperation with the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has launched a new online resource aimed at documenting Russian efforts to recruit foreign citizens into its armed forces.

The website, stoprussianrecruiters.org, presents information on recruitment methods, the geographic scope of alleged recruitment activities, and individuals said to be operating on behalf of the Russia in various countries, Caliber.Az reports per the headquarters.

"Russia is increasingly drawing citizens of other countries into the war: migrant workers, the unemployed, and members of socially vulnerable groups from Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Deception, psychological pressure, and financial manipulation are used to achieve this," the statement said. 

As part of the "I Want to Live" project, the identities of more than 28,000 foreigners who signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces have already been established. At least 5,149 of them have died.

The Coordination Headquarters emphasises that this resource was created to warn potential victims of the Russian recruitment system, draw the attention of the international community, and help bring to justice those who send people to die in a war for the Kremlin’s interests.

“Hundreds of foreigners from more than 48 countries are currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine,” the headquarters stated in its report.

The initiative is part of the broader “I Want to Live” project, which Ukrainian officials say is intended to provide information to potential recruits and document foreign involvement in the conflict.

Ukraine has repeatedly accused Russia of recruiting foreign nationals through financial incentives and misleading contracts.

By Sabina Mammadli