A Russian national, Georgy Kochkin, has shared his experience of being recruited into a military unit under the guise of serving in Africa, only to find himself facing deployment in Ukraine. The recruitment strategy reportedly offered substantial financial incentives, misleading many into believing they would avoid direct combat.
Kochkin, who was struggling with significant debts and inadequate employment, responded to an advertisement that claimed the position was civilian and non-combatant. He was promised a signing bonus of approximately 2 million rubles (around $25,000) and soon received an invitation to Moscow’s military enlistment office.
During his initial interview on October 11, 2025, the recruiter introduced him to the unit’s leadership with the phrase, “I brought you meat.” By October 13, Kochkin had signed a contract that lacked any mention of Africa, despite the high salary and additional bonuses promised by the Russian Ministry of Defense.
After signing, Kochkin was designated as a private and sent to a training center in Mulino, Nizhny Novgorod. However, he quickly realized that the training provided was minimal, receiving only standard equipment such as a helmet and tactical vest. This raised his suspicions about the authenticity of the promises regarding service in Africa, especially since the gear was unsuitable for a hot climate.
Reports indicate that only a small fraction of recruits were actually sent to Africa, while most were dispatched to Ukraine, often with little prior notice. If command directly referenced Africa, it typically meant deployment there; otherwise, it was likely to Ukraine.
As New Year’s approached, Kochkin attempted to escape from the base using his vehicle. However, this effort was unsuccessful. On January 23, he was informed that he would be deployed shortly but was granted a temporary leave. Realizing that he might be sent to fight in Ukraine, Kochkin left the base and traveled to Smolensk, then took a train to Minsk, Belarus, fearing he might be sought after in Russia. He later flew to the Philippines, with a layover in China, and applied for asylum upon arrival in Manila.
Following his escape, Kochkin received messages from his unit’s deputy commander and other military personnel seeking to locate him, even offering a transfer to another unit. It remains unclear whether any legal action has been taken against him for desertion. About ten days after his flight, he learned that nearly his entire unit had been sent to Ukraine, reportedly for demining operations in Kupiansk.
Georgy Kochkin's story reveals the deceptive recruitment practices used by Russian military forces, promising service in Africa while actually deploying recruits to Ukraine. His experience underscores the financial desperation faced by many Russians, leading them into dangerous situations under false pretenses.