Russia is reportedly compelling young Africans to fight in the war against Ukraine, using threats of deportation, as detailed by Bloomberg. European officials estimate that thousands of migrants and foreign students have been coerced by the Kremlin into joining the fight alongside Russian forces, contributing to the recent offensive in the Kharkiv Region.

Moscow is replicating tactics initially employed by the Wagner Private Military Company (PMC), recruiting foreigners in Russia on work visas. These individuals are detained and given a stark choice: face deportation or participate in the conflict. While some manage to bribe officials to avoid military service and remain in the country, many are forced to accept the military service deal.

The coercion of migrants and students into combat began at the start of the war, according to another European official. These conscripted forces are experiencing severe casualties, often used in high-risk offensive operations to shield more experienced units.

Ukrainian intelligence indicates that Russia is conducting a widespread campaign to recruit foreign mercenaries from at least 21 countries, many of which are in Africa. These recruitment efforts promise attractive signing bonuses and salaries to entice recruits. Additionally, recruiters are targeting migrants and students who had previously sought work in Russia, sometimes luring them with false promises of lucrative jobs before forcing them into military training and deployment to the front lines.