Russia systematically recruits Africans for the war against Ukraine

Russia has changed its approach to recruiting foreigners to participate in the war against Ukraine. The recruitment of foreign citizens into the Russian army is increasingly being carried out on a systematic basis.

This was reported by the Center for Countering Disinformation, citing a study by the Robert Lansing Institute.

Analysts note that Russia previously used mostly semi-legal recruitment schemes, including closed groups on messengers, employment intermediaries, and shell companies.

Now, according to their data, the role of recruiting centers is increasingly being played by Russian diplomatic and cultural missions in African countries.

Researchers have already identified more than 1,400 citizens of African countries who fought on the side of Russia. At least 316 people have been confirmed dead.

According to analysts, a significant number of them died less than a month after reaching the front. Many recruits were misled during selection, promising work in the civilian sector.

After a sharp reaction from the governments of certain African countries, Russia stopped recruiting their citizens and formed an unofficial “blacklist” of states.

However, the recruitment of foreigners continues in other countries on the continent.

Researchers note that despite the Kremlin’s rhetoric about “friendship with Africa” and the fight against colonialism, Russia is actually using the continent’s vulnerable youth as a resource for its war against Ukraine.

Earlier, it was reported that the Kenyan parliament stated that Russia had recruited over a thousand of its citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine.

Recall that mercenaries from Africa who fought on the side of Russia against Ukraine received Russian passports.