Russia wants up to 20,000 foreign recruits in 2026, using coercion and deportation threats to bring people to the frontlines – Ukrainian intelligence

Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) says Russia is expanding efforts to recruit foreign citizens into its forces, aiming to enlist up to 20,000 in 2026.

Russia has recruited foreign nationals for military service throughout the war against Ukraine, often targeting vulnerable populations from poorer countries and migrant communities. These fighters are frequently deployed to frontline roles with limited training, where casualty rates are high and they are treated as expendable.

Migrants and foreign nationals targeted

HUR’s “I Want to Live” project estimates Russia plans to recruit at least 18,500 foreign nationals this year. Priority targets include citizens of Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan currently residing in Russia.

Recruitment efforts also extend abroad, focusing on countries in Africa and Asia, including Bangladesh, Chad, Sudan, and Burundi.

Quotas and nationwide checks reported

According to HUR, Russian authorities have conducted checks across all federal districts to identify foreign men aged 18–60. The inspections were carried out by the Russian General Staff’s mobilization directorate together with the Interior Ministry’s migration services.

Military enlistment offices have reportedly been assigned quotas to recruit between 0.5% and 3.5% of the foreign population in each Russian region. Recruitment is being conducted through 97 contract service centers, with the largest number located in the Central Military District.

In addition to official channels, HUR says recruitment is carried out by Kremlin-linked paramilitary structures operating under Russian intelligence oversight.

Coercion and pressure tactics used 

The agency warns that alongside financial incentives and promises of citizenship, coercive methods are widely used. Migrants may face pressure due to expiring visas, inability to legalize their stay, or administrative detention, with some reportedly given a choice between prison and military service.

HUR urged foreign nationals to avoid traveling to Russia or seeking employment there, warning of the risk of being forced into dangerous combat roles in Ukraine.