Russia Intensifies Recruitment of African Nationals Amid Ukraine War Losses

Growing Reliance on Foreign Fighters

The Russian Federation is reportedly intensifying its recruitment efforts among men from various African nations to replenish its military ranks amidst ongoing battlefield losses in Ukraine. This strategy appears to be a critical component of Russia's efforts to sustain its military operations without resorting to further politically sensitive domestic mobilization.

According to a Kenyan intelligence report released in February 2026, over 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia, a significant increase from an earlier estimate of over 200. Ukraine's Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, stated in November 2025 that more than 1,400 individuals from 36 African countries were fighting for Russia. These numbers suggest a growing reliance on foreign combatants, with some estimates from summer 2024 already placing African nationals in Russia's armed forces at over 600.

Deceptive Recruitment Tactics and Incentives

Recruitment often involves deceptive practices, with many African men reportedly lured to Russia under false pretenses of well-paying civilian jobs in sectors such as construction, security, or hospitality. Upon arrival, they are allegedly deployed to the front lines after minimal training, sometimes as brief as a few days to a month.

Key incentives offered to recruits include:

• High monthly salaries: Reports indicate promises of up to 350,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately £2,000) or between $750 and $2,000 per month, along with substantial bonuses.
• Expedited Russian citizenship: A decree signed by President Vladimir Putin in January 2024 allows foreign nationals who sign a military service contract for at least one year to qualify for Russian citizenship, a process that can also extend to their family members.

Recruitment efforts target former military personnel, police officers, and unemployed civilians typically aged between 20 and 50. Online platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and Telegram, are reportedly used for these recruitment campaigns. There are also instances of coercion, where African students and workers in Russia face threats of visa non-extension or deportation unless they agree to military service.

International Concern and African Response

The recruitment drive has drawn significant international attention and concern from African governments. Countries such as Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Ivory Coast have been identified as sources of recruits. Many African nations have voiced concerns, with some actively working to repatriate their citizens. For example, four South African men reportedly lured to fight for Russia recently returned home, with South African officials engaging in talks with their Russian counterparts.

African governments are also warning their citizens against these recruitment schemes. Nigeria's foreign ministry has issued warnings about illegal recruitment, and Kenyan officials are moving to shut down an estimated 600 recruiting agencies implicated in these activities. The Russian Embassy in Nairobi has denied involvement in illegal recruitment, stating that foreign citizens can voluntarily join its armed forces.

High Risks for Recruits

Reports indicate that these foreign recruits often face exceptionally high casualty rates, with some sources describing them as being used as 'expendable assault troops' or in 'meat assaults.' Many who are captured by Ukrainian forces are held as prisoners of war.