Prisoners of war held in Ukraine include citizens of 51 countries who fought on Russia's side, Ukrainian parliamentary human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets said on August 4 at a meeting of heads of foreign diplomatic institutions.
Foreigners from 51 countries have been taken prisoner in Ukraine while fighting as part of the Russian occupying army, Lubinets said. He said it was important to speak honestly and openly with the world about the fact that taking part in the war on Russia's side carries real legal consequences.
In late May, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that hundreds of foreigners from more than 48 countries were being held prisoner after Russia lured them into the war through deception and financial manipulation. According to the BBC, at least 3,589 foreigners had been killed fighting for Russia as of early July 2026.
Recruitment across Africa and beyond
Reports of Russia recruiting foreigners first appeared in the media two years ago, when they concerned combatants from Nepal. Later reports covered recruitment in Uganda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, Botswana and Kenya.
In early 2026, the American think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies published a report on the "Alabuga Start" program in Tatarstan, saying it was used to recruit young women from countries in Africa and Latin America to Russia.
European Parliament accusation
In March, the European Parliament accused Russia of human trafficking through its recruitment of fighters for the war against Ukraine. Lawmakers called on the European Union, member states and the governments of the recruits' countries of origin to cooperate more actively to investigate such schemes, prevent them and help bring victims home.
