Ukraine has identified nearly 46,000 foreigners from 151 countries in Russia’s army—and says Moscow is on pace to meet its 2026 hiring plan

Ukraine has identified nearly 46,000 foreigners from 151 countries enlisted in Russia's military since 2022, according to Dmytro Usov, secretary of Ukraine's prisoner-of-war coordination headquarters. Usov projected that the current rate of enlistment will meet Russia's plan to sign 18,500 foreign recruits in 2026 and possibly surpass it.

In a survey of captured foreigners, 41% of respondents admitted they signed up at enlistment offices and recruitment points, suggesting a systematic campaign. Russia has long employed foreigners to compensate for losses in its regular forces. According to Usov, Russia's Defense Ministry has signed 45,959 foreigners from 151 countries.

Ukraine's records include each recruit's rank, dog tag, and contract date. The figure counts all signatories, not just those currently serving. In April, Usov had estimated 13,997 foreign recruits for 2025, but the actual number may be higher, with at least 5,149 foreign recruits dying since the start of the conflict. Countries such as Indonesia, Peru, Chad, and Zimbabwe have contributed significantly to the growth in recruits.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry and POW agencies have restricted recruitment in some nations and halted it in others.