World News

Russia tricks vulnerable foreigners into military service in Ukraine, Amnesty report says

Amnesty International documented deceptive recruitment tactics targeting foreign nationals to fight for Russia, according to France 24.

Updated Sep 10, 2026 · 15:55 UTC1 reports

The short version

Amnesty International published a report finding that foreign nationals are lured into the Russian military through fraudulent job offers and trafficking.[France 24]
Victims targeted by the recruitment operations include citizens from Brazil, Colombia, Sri Lanka, and South Africa.[France 24]
Russia issued no immediate response to the findings, though officials have previously denied coercing foreign recruits.[France 24]

Amnesty International stated that foreign nationals are being deceived into serving in the Russian military through fraudulent employment offers and trafficking.[France 24]
Targeted individuals identified in the report include citizens of South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, and Sri Lanka.[France 24]
Ukraine assessed in April that over 28,000 foreign fighters representing 136 nations were serving in Russia's armed forces.[France 24]
Russia did not issue an immediate comment on the allegations and has previously rejected claims of coercing foreign citizens.[France 24]

Amnesty International cannot directly interview foreign fighters detained inside Russia because the organization is designated as a foreign agent there.[France 24]
Russia has not provided a public statement addressing Amnesty's specific allegations.[France 24]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.