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Russia and Iran Recruiting Middle Eastern and Afghan Mercenaries to Fight in Ukraine
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Russia, in coordination with Iran, is actively recruiting mercenaries from the Middle East and Afghanistan to fight against Ukraine, Ukrainska Pravda reported on September 22, citing sources in the security services.
According to the report, citizens of Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Yemen, and other countries in the region are being drawn into combat on the side of Russian forces. Security services have also confirmed that Moscow and Tehran are attempting to recruit former ISIS fighters—a development that has raised serious alarm among security experts.
The recruitment drive is driven by Russia’s shortage of manpower. Mercenaries are promised financial rewards and the prospect of Russian citizenship in exchange for service.
Illegal migration and trade routes are being used to funnel recruits into Russia through four primary corridors. The first runs from the Middle East through Iran, Armenia, and Georgia before entering Russian territory. A second follows a similar path but diverts through Azerbaijan. The third corridor connects the Middle East with Central Asia via Iran, while the fourth originates in Afghanistan and continues through Central Asia before reaching Russia.
In recent days, border authorities in Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asian states have intercepted groups of illegal migrants attempting to cross into Russia. Their correspondence revealed close coordination with Russian handlers and promises of payment and other benefits, according to Ukrainska Pravda.
One case involved an Iraqi citizen born in 2006 who was detained while attempting to cross illegally. Documents obtained by security services showed that he had signed a contract with Russia’s Ministry of Defense to join the armed group “Baghdad.” He had been promised between $3,000 and $8,000 in compensation, along with Russian citizenship after six months of service.
Earlier, it was reported that in the temporarily occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia region, Russia is trying to offset its growing manpower shortages by transferring in recruits from its own territory.
