By Omar Bah
Reports indicate that Russia is recruiting migrants from Africa to participate in the war against Ukraine, often resorting to deception and coercion. Since early 2024, more than 3,300 foreign nationals have been granted Russian citizenship in exchange for their involvement in the conflict.
Propaganda efforts highlight “volunteers” from various African countries, including Lamin Jatta from The Gambia, who was pressured into signing a military contract after his attempts to migrate to Europe failed. Syrian nationals are similarly targeted, with promises of Russian citizenship and salaries of $2,200.
Despite the presence of these foreign recruits, evidence suggests their impact on the battlefield has been minimal, as indicated by the small number of foreign prisoners of war.
