Amnesty Report Links Russian Recruitment to Human Trafficking
A new investigation alleges that foreign nationals were deceived with job offers before being coerced into military service in Ukraine.
Amnesty International has released a report accusing the Russian state of engaging in human trafficking by luring foreign nationals into its military ranks. The organization states that individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa were misled by recruiters promising high-paying civilian positions, only to be forced into combat roles upon arrival in Russia.
According to the report, these recruits were often economically vulnerable and targeted through fraudulent online advertisements. Once in Russia, many found their freedom of movement restricted and their personal documents confiscated. Amnesty International’s secretary general, Agnes Callamard, described the systematic exploitation as a form of trafficking under the United Nations Palermo Protocol, arguing that the state is using these individuals as expendable soldiers in the ongoing conflict.
Deception in Recruitment Tactics
The investigation details how local agents and deceptive job listings were used to target migrants and refugees already within Russia, as well as citizens from other nations. One South African man reportedly applied for a driving job in Poland but was redirected to Moscow, where he was told his role had changed to that of a soldier. His wife stated that upon arrival, his belongings were taken and he was prevented from leaving.
Interviewees described a pattern where promised salaries and sign-up bonuses were never paid. During military training, recruits from Brazil and Sri Lanka reported that their passports and mobile phones were seized, effectively isolating them from the outside world before being deployed to the front lines. This confinement, combined with the initial deception, formed the basis for Amnesty’s conclusion that coercion was a central element of the recruitment process.
Context of Foreign Recruitment
Both Russia and Ukraine have incorporated foreign nationals into their armies since the start of the invasion. Estimates suggest that approximately 28,000 foreigners from 136 countries are currently serving in the Russian military. Additionally, officials have indicated that a significant number of North Korean troops were deployed to support Russian operations in the Kursk region during the previous year.
On the other side of the conflict, Ukrainian authorities state that around 16,000 foreign nationals from over 70 countries are serving in their forces. A notable portion of these recruits are from Latin America. Amnesty International noted that it could not conduct similar inquiries regarding Ukrainian military practices due to a lack of access to prisoners of war held in Russia, which has designated the organization as a foreign agent.
Implications for Future Oversight
The release of this report highlights the increasing complexity of the workforce in the ongoing war. While Russia has previously dismissed accusations of coercing foreigners into its army, the detailed testimony provided to Al Jazeera English and other outlets adds weight to the allegations of systematic exploitation. The findings suggest that economic vulnerability is being leveraged to fill critical manpower gaps.
Observers will now watch for diplomatic responses from the nations whose citizens are affected, as well as potential legal actions by international bodies. The report underscores the need for transparent oversight of recruitment practices to prevent the further instrumentalization of vulnerable populations in geopolitical conflicts.
