Russian recruiters lure foreigners with jobs in construction and IT, kidnap them, and send them to war, Amnesty International finds

Russia is exploiting the economic struggles and migration status of foreign nationals to recruit them for combat in Ukraine's war against Ukraine, according to a study by Amnesty International. The report details how these individuals are promised high-paying jobs in various fields, such as construction, IT, and security, but upon arrival in Russia, they are forced to sign military contracts and become soldiers.

Human rights researchers visited prisoner-of-war camps in western Ukraine and interviewed foreigners from 136 countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Egypt, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Somalia, and South Africa. Testimonies reveal that foreign citizens were coerced into signing documents without proper translation, often without receiving promised payments.

Some victims, like Sri Lankan Nalin and South African Joseph, described being taken from their families, having their possessions confiscated, and being subjected to threats of imprisonment or even death if they attempted to escape. Colombian IT specialist Pedro spent 11 months in the Russian army before being captured by Ukrainian forces and never saw the promised pay.

Colombian Jorge was sent to a trench on the front line after his passport was taken at the airport. The study also highlights schemes using intermediaries who receive payments for each recruit delivered to Russian military service, with some acquiring indefinite powers of attorney over recruits' finances. Peruvian lawyers claim they have assisted over 200 families of former recruits and know of at least 300 more cases.

Amnesty International urges for action against these schemes and for the safe return of the kidnapped foreigners.