“I want to come back home”: South African men promised jobs in Russia, sent to trenches in Ukraine – Reuters
Government treats recruitment as suspected crime against the state.
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Russian mercenaries
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India confirms 202 citizens served in Russian Army — 119 returned, 50 still stuck, 26 killed, 7 missing
Indian authorities say Moscow was given DNA samples to help identify victims, while diplomatic talks remain active.
South Africa confirms talks with Russia to bring back 17 men from Ukraine frontline
Legal complaints say the men were allegedly misled into joining Russian forces after being promised non-military roles.
Jordan demands Russia release its citizens and stop illegal military recruitment
Foreign ministry says it will "take all available measures" and demands Moscow terminate existing contracts.
Russia launches forced call-up of reservists in occupied Luhansk oblast
The first group of reservists gathered by occupation authorities was told they would guard infrastructure, but they were immediately sent to a training center instead, Ukraine's Luhansk Oblast head says.
Over 200 Kenyans lured into Russia’s war in Ukraine, Kenya says
Kenya's government warns that Moscow's recruitment efforts are still ongoing, targeting citizens with false promises and dangerous assignments.
South Africa investigates how 17 citizens were deceived into joining Russia’s war in Ukraine
The Presidency says the men are trapped in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas after being misled by fake job recruiters — a Russian tactic previously reported in many countries including India and Nepal.
“Corrupt and ruthless” Russian agents deceived Kenyans into fighting in Ukraine – Nairobi
Moscow's recruiters used "falsified information" and fake job contracts to lure Kenyan citizens into military service, with agents masquerading as Russian government officials.
ISW warns: Kremlin prepares to mobilize reservists without formal call‑up as its paid recruitment system collapses
A single draft amendment erases the last legal barrier to sending reservists into combat on a rolling basis.
Ukraine captures Indian fighting for Russia — he says Moscow swapped his drug sentence for a rifle
Once in Russian hands, the 22‑year‑old says he endured empty promises of cash, a rushed 16‑day training, and an assault mission he allegedly never wanted.
Russia’s war needs bodies: Kenyan recruits rescued before being shipped to Ukraine frontline
A multi-agency raid near Nairobi exposed a recruitment scheme using fake Moscow job offers to funnel men to the front.
Ukrainian intel: Nearly 20,000 Cuban mercenaries fighting on Russia’s side against Ukraine
Florida lawmakers and Ukrainian officials highlighted the threat to US and regional security.
India warns citizens: Don’t fall for Russian Army job offers
Moscow is accused of tricking Indian men with promises of construction work, then forcing them into combat in Ukraine.
Russia’s manpower crisis deepens — army calls its mercenaries “expendable” in leaked audio
RFE/RL uncovers how Moscow now views volunteer fighters as throwaway tools for exhausting Ukrainian forces.
BBC identifies 523 foreign mercenaries killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine — from 28 countries
Russia’s military dead include Egyptians, Americans, Gurkhas, Central Asian convicts, and recruits from several African countries.
Ukrainian soldier reveals what it’s like to face Russian convicts from Butyrka prison in battle
Fighter Anton Shket endured 17 days of assaults by Russian "zeks" and foreign troops.
US officials claim Russian army’s Chinese nationals are mercenaries not linked to Beijing
Reuters sources report that Russia is believed to have around 200 such mercenaries, while official Chinese military officers are visiting areas near the frontlines to gather tactical insights.
Zelenskyy: At least 155 Chinese nationals fight against Ukraine on Russian side
He says Russia recruits them through social media such as TikTok. Documents show since some Chinese citizens serve in Russia's army since at least 2023.
Another Indian national killed in Ukraine serving in Russian army
India intensifies diplomatic efforts with Moscow, demanding immediate discharge of remaining Indian nationals from the Russian forces.
Uzbek court convicted Russian mercenary to 4 years in prison
The Uzbek citizen who served as a Russian military contractor participated in combat operations in eastern Ukraine, killing Ukrainian soldiers.