🕒 Created · Updated

Amnesty International Accuses Russia of Human Trafficking Through Deceptive Military Recruitment of Foreign Nationals

Amnesty International has reported that Russia is engaging in human trafficking by using deceptive and coercive practices to recruit foreign nationals into its military forces for the war in Ukraine. The organization's research, which included interviews with prisoners of war from over a dozen countries, found that Russia primarily targets economically vulnerable individuals from low-income countries in the Global South. Recruiters often lure foreigners with false promises of well-paid civilian jobs in sectors like construction or logistics, only to enlist them into the military upon arrival. In many cases, these recruits sign contracts in languages they do not understand, have their passports and mobile phones confiscated, and face severe restrictions on their freedom of movement. Amnesty International noted that many recruits receive minimal training before being deployed to active combat zones, which the organization described as an apparent disregard for human life. Russia has also weaponized the irregular immigration status of migrants and refugees already present in the country, offering military service as an alternative to deportation. While Russia has dismissed accusations of coercion, several governments have lodged formal protests and demanded the repatriation of their citizens.

Sources

Paywall and unreadable sources