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New Investigation Finds Staggering Losses Among Russia’s Foreign Recruits
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
More than 5,000 foreign nationals recruited into Russia’s military have been killed while taking part in combat operations against Ukraine, according to an international investigation published in April 2026.
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According to a report by Truth Hounds and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) released on April 29, Russia has recruited at least 27,000 foreign citizens from over 130 countries since the start of its full-scale invasion in 2022.
The report states that an additional 14,000 North Korean personnel have been deployed under bilateral arrangements with Moscow, bringing the total number of foreign fighters to levels comparable with the standing armies of some countries.
The number of foreign recruits increased by more than 30% between September 2025 and February 2026. Ukrainian intelligence estimates cited in the report indicate that Russia may attempt to recruit a further 18,500 foreign nationals by the end of 2026.
The investigation finds that recruitment efforts target individuals in vulnerable socio-economic and legal conditions, particularly in Central and South Asia, Africa, the Middle East and North Africa, and Latin America.
According to Truth Hounds and FIDH, many recruits are promised civilian jobs or non-combat roles but are later deployed to frontline positions after signing contracts in Russian, often without fully understanding the terms.
Ukrainian paratroopers rescued a wounded Peruvian who says he was coerced into fighting for Russian forces after being lured to Moscow with a job offer.
— UNITED24 Media (@United24media) April 30, 2026
This is his story ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/WPVdlZWiDL
The report documents cases involving coercion, including threats of deportation, confiscation of documents, fabricated criminal charges, and physical pressure. Raids on migrant communities inside Russia have also been used to compel individuals to sign military contracts.
Once enlisted, foreign recruits typically undergo only a few weeks of training before being sent into combat. According to estimates cited by Truth Hounds and FIDH, at least 3,388 foreign fighters have been confirmed killed, while total losses are believed to exceed 5,000. Some assessments indicate that up to one in five recruits does not survive deployment.
Many of these individuals are assigned to high-risk assault operations involving frontal attacks on Ukrainian positions, with a high probability of casualties.
The report concludes that Russia’s recruitment system constitutes a coordinated and institutionalized effort involving both state and non-state actors. The documented practices meet the criteria of human trafficking under the Palermo Protocol to the UN Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, citing the use of deception, coercion, and exploitation for combat deployment.
The investigation also notes that recruitment networks operate across multiple regions using online platforms and intermediaries, with evidence suggesting involvement or oversight by Russian state structures, including security services and diplomatic channels.
Earlier, according to HUR, Russia planned to recruit up to 18,500 foreign nationals in 2026 using pressure on migrants, often forcing those with visa issues to choose between prison and frontline military service.
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