Russia recruits around 1,800 foreigners into its military each month, Ukrainian official says

Speaking at an October 20 discussion of a new hromadske documentary about Russia's recruitment of foreigners, Yusov said more than 16,000 foreign nationals had joined the Russian military during the first nine months of 2026.

Russia had planned to recruit 18,500 foreigners throughout the year, but is likely to exceed that target, he said, citing Ukrainian intelligence.

According to Yusov, Ukrainian authorities have identified nearly 49,000 foreign nationals who signed contracts with the Russian military and have served or are still serving in its ranks.

He said the number of known foreign recruits in 2022 was fewer than 100.

Yusov argued that recruiting foreigners allows Russia to reduce domestic discontent and limit the demographic impact of military losses on its own population.

He also said Russia has refused to release more than 3,000 foreign nationals whose military contracts have expired, according to information available to the Coordination Headquarters.

The figures have not been independently verified.

Yusov made the remarks during a discussion of Predatory Recruitment: Evans' Story, a hromadske documentary about how Russia recruits foreign nationals to fight against Ukraine.

The film follows Evans, a Kenyan national who signed a contract with the Russian military after being exposed to propaganda and promises of high earnings, and was subsequently captured by Ukrainian forces.

The documentary examines the promises made to foreign recruits and what happens to them after they enter Russian military service.