Amnesty: Russia duped foreign workers into military service in Ukraine
Amnesty International released a report accusing Russia of human trafficking by deceiving foreigners from Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa with job offers, then forcing them into the Russian army. The report also says Russian recruiters targeted migrants and refugees. Amnesty's secretary general said the exploitation amounts to human trafficking under the UN Palermo Protocol.
Amnesty's findings stem from interviews conducted between 2024 and 2026 with prisoners of war held in Ukraine, as well as current foreign soldiers, their relatives, and legal experts. The group documented specific coercive tactics, including the confiscation of passports and mobile phones from Brazilian and Sri Lankan recruits during training, and severe restrictions on movement after signing contracts.
The report notes that both Russia and Ukraine have recruited foreign fighters since the war began, with an estimated 28,000 foreigners from 136 countries serving in Russian ranks, alongside roughly 14,000 North Korean troops. Conversely, Ukraine reports 16,000 foreign soldiers from over 70 nations. Amnesty's access is limited because Russia labels the organization a "foreign agent," preventing inquiries into Ukrainian-held POWs.
This report could heighten international scrutiny of Russia's recruitment methods, potentially affecting diplomatic relations with the nations whose citizens are targeted, such as Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. Families of these recruits may face increased distress and pressure on their governments to intervene. The findings may also influence global perceptions of the conflict, potentially deterring vulnerable migrants from accepting dubious job offers abroad, while prompting calls for stronger international enforcement of anti-trafficking protocols.