The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues now for about three years, showing no signs of abating. Both sides have persistently accused each other of involving foreign nationals in the conflict. The latest accusation came from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who claimed that Ukraine's military captured two Chinese nationals fighting for Russia. He released a video, stating Russia is using these tactics to perpetuate the war rather than seek peace.
Nations Caught in the War
Involvement of foreign nationals fighting for Russia is not new. Previously, 12 Indian nationals lost their lives fighting on Russia's side. Besides India, citizens from Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Cuba, and Somalia have been reported fighting alongside the Russian military. The Indian government has appealed to Russia for the safe return of its nationals.
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Foreign nationals seeking jobs in Russia are given military training and incentivized with hefty salaries to join the conflict. Those wishing to return face threats of imprisonment to continue fighting for Russia. The Russian Defense Ministry requires foreign nationals to sign a contract, penalties for breach include imprisonment for 10-15 years.
Contract with the Russian Army
In an interview with Germany's DW, a Sri Lankan national shared his story about being lured into joining the military under the promise of Russian citizenship, only to be deployed to fight in Ukraine. Valasmulla, aged 21, reported that his recruitment involved supporting Russian soldiers, rather than active frontline engagement. Unbeknownst to him, he became part of the Ukraine war effort.
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When the Sri Lankan was recruited in February last year, he received two thousand dollars and was promised a salary of 2300 dollars monthly. He was also informed that obtaining legal residency in Russia required signing a contract. However, during the conflict, when he sustained injuries and was captured by Ukrainian forces, he disclosed that he had come to Russia because of Sri Lanka's dire economic situation.
Threat of Imprisonment for Escaping
Valasmulla worked at a meat shop for a year and later illegally took up work at a Moscow restaurant when his visa expired. He eventually joined the Russian army. Deployed to the outskirts of Donetsk, he was denied the option of returning home, facing threats of 15 years in prison for violating the contract.
The Sri Lankan shared that his unit included citizens from Nepal, India, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. According to Bloomberg, Russia has coerced thousands of migrant workers and international students into joining the Russian military against Ukraine, implying refusal could result in visa non-renewal.
Deployment After Training
Additionally, a Nepalese national disclosed to DW how he came to Russia seeking financial gain after hearing about the lucrative opportunities in the Russian military. Now a prisoner of war in western Ukraine, he left for Moscow in October 2023, where he underwent army training with 60 other foreigners in the city's outskirts.
Source: aajtak
The Nepalese national signed a year-long contract with the Russian army and was assigned as a kitchen assistant with a Chinese person. His unit also included 23 Nepalese and three Indians. They were transferred to a location near Donetsk a month later, and following a battlefield injury and sighting of Ukrainian soldiers, he decided to surrender, realizing contract breach was impossible.
Job Promise Leading to Enlistment
Ukrainian authorities report the involvement of African nationals alongside Asians in the Russian military, including those from Sierra Leone and Somalia. Furthermore, citizens from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Cuba, predominantly from less affluent nations, are involved. Russia attempts to recruit foreigners via social media ads, promising jobs in companies only to later enlist them for military service, assuring posting in non-combat zones.
Mass recruitment of Nepalese nationals for the Russian army has surfaced. CNN states about 15,000 Nepalese were recruited, although the Nepalese government reports only 200 had joined, of whom 13 lost their lives. The Kathmandu police arrested 18 individuals on suspicion of recruitment involvement. Russia banned job-seeking Nepalese nationals after recruitment refusal by individuals.
12 Indians Lost Lives
Likewise, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs indicated earlier this year that 127 Indian nationals were serving in the Russian military, with 97 having completed their service. Comprehensive assistance, including travel documents and airfare, was extended for their return. High-level dialogues between India and Russia continue to ensure the safe return of Indian nationals from the warzone. Nevertheless, 12 Indian lives have been lost while fighting for Russia against Ukraine.
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The Russian military comprises over 1.3 million personnel, the majority active, with significant numbers in reserve services and paramilitary roles. Comparatively, Ukraine commands about 500,000 soldiers, with only 200,000 active, making its forces weaker than Russia's. Ukraine, mirroring Russia, hires temporary soldiers with support from Western countries inimical to Russia; consequently, despite its smaller size, it has resisted Russia for three years.
Beyond the USA and Europe, mid-income and some impoverished countries ally with Ukraine against Russia. These include Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Lithuania. Russia, recruiting foreign nationals or mercenaries, positions them in hazardous zones to safeguard its regular forces. Poorly trained, these soldiers may violate war protocols against the enemy, deflating opposition morale. Being non-regular, responsibility for these soldiers can be easily evaded.
