Russia is facing a critical shortage of personnel, forcing the Kremlin to launch a large-scale campaign to recruit foreign fighters. According to the Center for Countering Disinformation and the Main Directorate of Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, more than 42,000 foreigners have been identified in the ranks of the Russian army since the start of the full-scale invasion. The statistics on losses among mercenaries are shocking: every fifth one has already died.
Scale of the Foreign Contingent
An analysis of the situation shows that Moscow is actively using human resources from abroad to replenish its losses. Currently, the structure of this contingent looks as follows: more than 14,000 servicemen arrived from North Korea, and another 28,000 came from various other countries around the world. The Kremlin's plans are not limited to current figures: by the end of 2026, Russia plans to recruit at least another 18,500 foreign fighters.
Who Becomes a Mercenary?
Recruitment is carried out using aggressive methods both within Russia itself and directly in the countries of origin of potential recruits. The trap catches various categories of citizens: students who came to the RF for study, tourists, people looking for work, and even lawbreakers. The main tool of manipulation is the promise of high earnings, but reality turns out to be harsher.
Once at the front line, many foreigners find themselves in a vulnerable position: without documents, without proper training, and under inhumane conditions, as confirmed by UN reports. Dozens of states have already reacted to the cynical actions of the Russian side, condemning such recruitment methods.
The Cost of Error: Loss Statistics
The "I Want to Live" project of the GUR MoD of Ukraine, which deals with data verification, has recorded tragic statistics. Since February 24, 2022, 5,149 foreign mercenaries have died, and more than 700 have been taken prisoner. In percentage terms, this means that 22% of all recruited individuals have already died. The mortality dynamics are particularly alarming: 42% of the dead died in the first four months of service, indicating that mercenaries are often used as "cannon fodder" without proper training.
Change of Tactics and New Regions
Despite the horrific losses, Russia continues to look for new sources of replenishment. Over the last year, the number of people willing to fight in the RF against Ukraine has dropped by 20%, and this trend is strengthening. To compensate for the shortage, Moscow is expanding the geography of its operations.
At the end of 2025, active recruitment began in Iran, where potential fighters were promised $20,000 as a lump sum and about $2,000 per month. In May 2026, Russia intensified efforts to attract citizens of African countries, trying to find new reserves in the face of depleted internal resources.