Russia Turns to Coup-Hit Madagascar to Recruit New Soldiers for Its War Against Ukraine

Russia has expanded its military recruitment campaign to Madagascar for the first time since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, opening a new recruitment channel in an African country that has recently strengthened ties with Moscow.

According to Bloomberg on October 26, citing a Ukrainian intelligence presentation, the recruitment effort follows Madagascar’s 2025 military coup and subsequent expansion of cooperation with Russia, including deliveries of military equipment and food supplies.

Following the change of government, Russian personnel began training Malagasy troops, while Moscow supplied weapons and military equipment. Madagascar’s leader, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina, also met Russian leader Vladimir Putin in Moscow in February 2026.

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A separate investigation published by Le Monde on October 20 documented the death of a Malagasy national who had joined the Russian military and was killed on the Ukrainian front in August. His family said recruiters had promised financial compensation and Russian citizenship.

Madagascar’s inclusion is part of a broader recruitment campaign across Africa. According to the intelligence figures reviewed by Bloomberg, Ukraine has identified 5,451 African nationals among 45,959 foreigners from 151 countries who signed contracts with the Russian military.

Earlier, on October 19, Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War reported that nearly 46,000 foreign nationals from 151 countries had signed contracts with Russia’s Defense Ministry. Moscow has reportedly set a target of recruiting 18,500 foreigners in 2026, with more than 16,000 already enlisted.

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