Indonesia investigates reports of 8 citizens fighting in Russia’s war against Ukraine

Indonesia is investigating claims that eight of its citizens who applied for civilian positions allegedly ended up fighting in Russia's war against Ukraine. Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stated that authorities are checking the identities and hiring processes of these individuals, who were reportedly offered attractive perks such as high pay, non-combat duties and fast-tracking Russian citizenship.

However, Mahendra emphasized that they cannot make conclusions until all facts have been verified. This comes after Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service accessed documents allegedly linking the eight Indonesians to Russia's military, indicating recruiters lured foreigners with job offers before sending them to the battlefield.

Mahendra suggested the eight individuals may have been duped into joining the Russian military without understanding the consequences, as they might have represented a foreign army without presidential permission. If proven, Indonesia could revoke their citizenship. Russia's ambassador to Indonesia, Sergey Tolchenov, stated that Moscow is open to assisting Jakarta in the case but denied any involvement in recruiting for the Russian armed forces.

Indonesia's law permits the revocation of citizenship in certain cases, including joining a foreign military without the president's authorization. Russia had previously reportedly conducted recruitment drives in Asia to bolster its defenses following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In a recent Ukrainian military intelligence report, at least three Filipinos were reported killed on the Russian front lines in recent years.