Russia trafficking foreigners to fight in Ukraine, Amnesty says
21 days ago
- Amnesty International reports that Russia is trafficking foreign nationals to fight in Ukraine, citing interviews with prisoners of war who were deceived into signing military contracts.
- Victims include citizens of Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Kenya, lured by fraudulent job advertisements and forced into military service upon arrival.
- Recruiters target individuals under 40 from poorer countries, using false promises of civilian jobs, then confiscating passports, coercing contract signing, and using them as 'cannon fodder'.
- Russia has previously dismissed accusations of coercing foreign nationals, and did not immediately comment on this report.
- Both Russia and Ukraine have recruited thousands of foreign nationals; Ukraine estimates over 28,000 from 136 countries fight for Russia, including about 14,000 North Korean troops.
- Amnesty calls for accountability and evidence gathering to prosecute those responsible for trafficking, urging Ukraine to prioritize investigations.