Russia is coercing migrants and foreign nationals into fighting in Ukraine, often under threat of deportation or imprisonment, according to an Al Jazeera investigation.
The report details how migrants from Central Asia and other regions are being detained for minor offences and then given a choice: enlist in the military or face expulsion from the country. Some individuals were reportedly promised fast-track citizenship or financial incentives, only to be sent to front-line positions with limited training.
Human rights groups say the practice raises serious legal and ethical concerns, describing it as a form of forced recruitment targeting vulnerable populations. Analysts note that migrants, many of whom lack legal protections, are particularly susceptible to pressure from authorities.
Families of those recruited have reported losing contact with relatives shortly after deployment, with some later confirmed killed in combat. The approach reflects Russia’s ongoing efforts to sustain troop numbers amid prolonged fighting in Ukraine. Moscow has not publicly acknowledged coercion, maintaining that military service is voluntary, though reports of pressure tactics have continued to surface.
