Wagner’s remnants run an opioid empire in the Central African Republic, WSJ reveals
Up to 500 mercenaries under Prigozhin's son control the tramadol trade in a fief beyond the reach of law enforcement — or Moscow.
Browsing Tag
Russian mercenaries
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In Mali, Russians and Malian army killed four civilians, then staged a corpse into a swastika
The victims near Timbuktu were herders with no ties to armed groups, local sources and a rights group told RFI.
He flew from Peru to Moscow for work. Russia took his passport and sent him to Ukraine.
A Peruvian's account of abduction and coerced conscription adds Latin America to the map of Russia's global recruitment dragnet.
Over 1,000 Kenyans lured into Russia’s war in Ukraine, 50+ Ghanaians killed there — three governments confirmed it, none confronted Moscow
Kenya's Foreign Minister called himself "pragmatic and realistic" ahead of his Moscow trip, saying the visit was "not a confrontation."
Signed up to kill in Africa, refused to die in Ukraine: Russia’s Africa Corps recruit flees to Philippines after GRU unit rerouted him to the front
A Moscow factory worker who signed up for the Africa Corps expecting overseas deployment told RFE/RL that Ukraine-bound assignments were the norm, with Africa reserved for a handful.
Nairobi thought Russia recruited 200 Kenyan citizens to kill Ukrainians. A new report says it’s over 1,000
Families of the mercenaries gathered in the Kenyan capital demanding their return while the government condemned Moscow's use of Kenyans as "cannon fodder" and its foreign minister prepares to visit Russia next month
Filipino mercenary killed in Russian army “meat assault” after just one week of training, Ukrainian intelligence says
HUR identified the body of John Patrick near Novoselivka in Donetsk Oblast, revealing he was sent to the front lines with minimal preparation and left to die after sustaining a wound.
Fake job listings for non-existent Luhansk nuclear plant lure Russians to front lines, Ukraine says
Kyiv disinformation watchdog says Russians are being lured by promises of civilian work at a strategic nuclear facility in occupied Luhansk that has never existed.
Nepali man paid agent for “Europe” job, then died fighting for Russia
His family believed he was promised lucrative work. He instead went to Moscow and later died as Russian mercenary in Ukraine.
From Arma 3 to the frontlines: how South African gamers were lured into Russia’s war in Ukraine
What began as online military simulations turned into real combat when two young men signed up for war after chatting on Discord.
Ukraine invites Ghana’s foreign minister and offers access to captured Ganaian mercenary who fought for Russia
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry confirmed it received an official request concerning the citizen’s return.
Frontline report: How Russia’s Española brigade commander was shot in broad daylight after defying top brass
Stanislav Orlov’s death in Sevastopol reveals what happens when paramilitary leaders cross Kremlin red lines.
Cuban mercenary captured near Kupiansk after joining Russia’s war effort under deportation threat
A Cuban mercenary who claims he was forced into Russia’s war after being arrested in Moscow was captured…
Why Russia’s war machine may have peaked: new ISW assessment says Moscow can’t build momentum due to lack of reserves
With no extra troops to shift across sectors, Russia keeps trading one front for another, exposing dangerous vulnerabilities.
“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.
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.