Moscow uses education and labor to attract Africans to war against Ukraine. By the end of 2025, more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African states had fought on Moscow’s side. This was reported by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, according to the UNN news agency.
The Russian Federation is increasing its influence in African countries through a combination of humanitarian efforts and covert military recruitment. Russia is building loyal networks through educational, cultural, and religious tools, while simultaneously recruiting foreigners to fight the war with Ukraine and work in defense industry enterprises. As of the end of 2025, more than 1,400 citizens from 36 African states are fighting on Moscow’s side.
– Reported by the Foreign Intelligence Service.
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Foreign intelligence reports say the main focus is on vulnerable youth, people with limited access to education and jobs, low-income women and individuals with military experience. “Recruitment is often disguised as civilian employment. Africans are offered jobs as security guards, drivers, construction workers, etc., but then take part in activities in the interests of the Russian Federation. Within the framework of the ‘Arabuga Start’ program, young women between the ages of 18 and 22 are offered civilian labor, in fact for the production of military products, including unmanned aerial vehicles, in the Arabuga Special Economic Zone,” the SZR statement said.
According to intelligence agencies, another channel of influence is educational and cultural projects. Scholarships, language courses and short-term programs at Russian universities are combined with the expansion of the “Russia House” network and the activities of state media outlets Sputnik and RT. SZR shows that this creates an information environment for selecting potential new employees.
“Private military companies, local intermediaries, and military-technical cooperation that create long-term dependencies through training and arms supplies play an additional role,” the intelligence agency noted.
“Another instrument of influence is the expansion of the Russian Orthodox Church. From 2022 to 2026, its presence expanded from four African countries to more than 30 countries. Church building, high salaries for clergy, and distance learning in seminaries have formed loyal networks and served as channels for spreading pro-Russian discourse on ‘traditional values,’” the intelligence report highlights.
However, the Foreign Intelligence Service points out that the reactions of African governments are becoming harsher.
“Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana and Lesotho have accused Moscow of mass recruitment. In the near future, some African countries plan to tighten control over employment agencies, revise migration agreements and limit contacts with Russian educational and cultural organizations,” the post said.
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As reported, the Russian military is increasingly dependent on foreign armed groups in Asia and Africa as it is unable to compensate for losses. Thousands of mercenaries from different countries fight for the Russian Federation, often under pressure and deception.
