The invading nation of Russia has launched a massive recruitment campaign of African nationals, using their educational, religious, and cultural commitments as cover to attract mercenaries.
As of the end of 2025, more than 1,400 mercenaries from 36 African countries were recorded as serving in occupation forces, while young women were being sent in large numbers to production of attack drones in the Arabuga Special Economic Zone under the guise of civilian employment.
Read more: Russia expands recruitment of reservists along western border, clearly not to protect refineries
This was announced by the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
Ukrainian intelligence pointed out that the Kremlin is using a combined strategy to form loyal networks and find manpower for the war against Ukraine. In particular, programs involving educational and cultural projects, religious extension, and private employment are used for this purpose.
In particular, the “Russian Dom” network, state media (Sputnik, RT) and scholarship programs create an information field favorable to the selection of recruits. In addition, private military companies, local intermediaries, and military technical cooperation also play a role, forming long-term dependencies through training and arms supplies.
Subsequently, Africans sent to the front lines of the Russo-Ukrainian war are often conscripted under the guise of civilian employment. The main focus is on vulnerable youth, people with limited access to education and jobs, low-income women and people with military experience. Africans will be offered jobs as security guards, drivers, construction workers, etc., but will then take part in activities for the benefit of the Russian Federation.
Another example is the recruitment of young women between the ages of 18 and 22 as part of the “Alabuga Start” program. They are sent to Russia ostensibly for civilian work, but in reality for the production of military products, including unmanned aerial vehicles, in the Arabga Special Economic Zone.
Another tool of influence is the expansion of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC). From 2022 to 2026, the Republic of China expanded its presence from four African countries to more than 30 countries, using the construction of churches and seminaries to spread pro-Russian rhetoric.
As pointed out by Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, many countries on the Ukrainian continent have already begun to take drastic measures in response to Russia’s actions.
In particular, Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Botswana and Lesotho have publicly condemned the mass recruitment of their nationals by the Russian Federation. It plans to tighten controls over employment agencies and revise immigration agreements with Russia. Additionally, many African governments intend to limit contact with Russian cultural and educational organizations that serve as a means of military recruitment.
Defense Express previously reported how Russian mercenaries of Ugandan origin have joined Russia’s war against Ukraine. I also wrote about why Russia replaced the Wagner Group with Mali’s Afrika Korps.
Read more: Ukraine’s defense intelligence agency says North Korea has unprecedented combat experience – only three militaries in the world fight like this
