Russia faces soldier shortage for the war: recruitment in Africa surges dozens of times over
Russia has sharply ramped up the recruitment of men in several African countries to fight in the war against Ukraine. Moscow is seeking recruits in nations where it is easier to attract individuals with promises of high wages and civilian employment.
This is according to a Bloomberg report based on a presentation linked to Ukrainian intelligence, which the news agency has reviewed.
In the first nine months of 2026, the Russian military recruited 699 citizens of Burundi—compared to just 30 for the entirety of 2025—as well as 530 citizens of Zimbabwe, up from 65 the previous year.
Where in Africa has Russia increased recruitment?
According to the presentation, in addition to Burundi and Zimbabwe, a significant rise in the number of recruits has been recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Cameroon.
Ukrainian data indicates that Russia is targeting nations characterized by low democratic standards, limited press freedom, and weak judicial systems. This recruitment drive intensified after Kenya and South Africa began taking a stand against their citizens leaving to fight in the war.
The governments of Kenya and Ghana have directly appealed to Moscow, requesting an end to the recruitment efforts. Kenyan politicians have stated that Russia has recruited at least 1,000 of their citizens. In early 2026, Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi visited Moscow to voice objections.
Botswana and South Africa have also issued public warnings to their citizens regarding job offers in Russia. Meanwhile, in Zimbabwe, two Russians were arrested on suspicion of recruiting individuals for the army.
How Russia lures Africans into the war against Ukraine
According to Bloomberg, recruiters exploit the difficult economic situation of potential recruits. Men may be promised civilian jobs, such as positions in the food service or transport sectors. Other incentives offered to recruits included substantial signing bonuses and the prospect of obtaining Russian citizenship.
A presentation highlights an example of an online advertisement reportedly used in Zimbabwe. It featured an African man in military uniform and promoted a program for Zimbabwean specialists, noting that the number of available spots was limited. Candidates were asked to take an online test to determine their eligibility. However, the advertisement did not explicitly state that participants could end up on the front lines of the war against Ukraine.
For the first time since the start of the full-scale war, Russia has also begun recruiting fighters in Madagascar. According to the report, following a military coup last year, the island’s new leadership established closer ties with Moscow, including receiving military equipment and food supplies from Russia. At the same time, Russia has effectively ceased military recruitment in at least nine African countries. Instead, it is seeking to attract citizens of these nations to work in its defense industry.
What is known about the recruitment of foreigners into the Russian army
In total, Ukraine has identified 45,959 foreign nationals from 151 countries who have signed contracts with the Russian military. Among them, 5,451 are citizens of African states.
A report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, published on October 26, details the recruitment of individuals from 29 countries through deception or coercion. The Commission stated that a network of agents, working in cooperation with Russian authorities, organized the transport of recruits to Russia.
“Upon arrival in the Russian Federation, the agents concerned compelled them to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation—contracts they did not understand—and subsequently transferred them into the Russian armed forces,” the UN Commission’s report states.
These findings are based on 245 interviews with recruits—including those captured by Ukrainian forces and those who returned home—as well as with their family members. According to the Commission, the recruits ranged in age from 18 to 60. They included citizens of Jordan, Uganda, Peru, and Uzbekistan. The UN noted that the majority of these recruits had low levels of income and education. How foreigners who end up in the Russian army are treated
According to a UN commission, military training for men with no prior military experience lasted anywhere from 20 minutes to one month. Recruits were primarily sent to the front lines to participate in attacks and advance positions.
The report also details instances of punishment for refusing to follow orders. The commission states that commanders resorted to detention, beatings, and death threats. During operations, recruits were monitored by drones to prevent them from turning back. Some went for days without food or the ability to wash. Many have died or gone missing.
The UN commission has called on Russia to end these practices and hold those involved in the recruitment process accountable. It also urged Ukraine to cooperate with the nations whose citizens have been taken prisoner in order to address their situations—including the possibility of transferring them back to their home countries, in accordance with the Third Geneva Convention.
Russia has not publicly acknowledged the use of foreign nationals in the war against Ukraine. The Kremlin has claimed that the country possesses sufficient human resources. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov did not respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg.