The Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate has revealed that more than 28,000 foreign nationals have signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces, a figure that continues to rise.
This information was disclosed by Dmitry Usov, a representative of the intelligence agency and secretary of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, during the presentation of a report titled “Combatants, Mercenaries, or Victims of Human Trafficking? How Russia Exploits Foreign Fighters in the War Against Ukraine.”
According to Usov, the current count stands at 28,391 foreign individuals, for whom the Ukrainian side possesses personal data, including citizenship.
“This is the number that we are aware of, based on specific personal data. We are operating with concrete names, personal information, and citizenship details of these individuals,” Usov stated.
Intelligence reports indicate that soldiers from 136 different countries are fighting within Russian ranks, not including an estimated 14,100 personnel from North Korea.
Usov emphasized that Russia does not release foreign fighters after their contracts expire. He noted that at least 3,080 individuals remain in service even after their formal contracts have ended.
“I want to draw attention to the figure of 3,080 individuals—these are foreign nationals who signed contracts that have ended, yet they have not left the ranks of the Russian Armed Forces. Russia will continue to use them,” he highlighted.
Additionally, the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to further increase the recruitment of foreign fighters, with intentions to sign nearly 19,000 more contracts with foreign citizens by 2026.
The intelligence agency has also observed a rise in the number of foreign nationals captured, with citizens from 48 different countries currently among the hundreds of prisoners.
Usov explained that foreign fighters are not only engaged in combat units but are also employed in the military-industrial complex, potentially being used in warfare later on.
He added that Russia employs foreign fighters as “cannon fodder,” utilizing them in assaults to identify Ukrainian positions.
“In other words, Russia uses them in meat assaults, directly in attacks on various tactical directions,” Usov remarked.
He noted that among the foreign fighters recruited by Russia are nationals from CSTO member states, as well as countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Ukrainian intelligence reveals over 28,000 foreign fighters have contracted with Russia, with plans for further recruitment. The report highlights the ongoing exploitation of these individuals in the conflict.
Source: РБК-Україна