Russia recruits mercenaries from 40+ countries, says Ukrainian military intelligence

What happened

Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Oleh Ivashchenko, told Ukrinform on September 7 that Russia is employing foreign mercenaries from over 40 countries, including regions in Central Asia, Africa and Latin America, to fight in its war against Ukraine. Ivashchenko said these foreign nationals are primarily deployed in assault units, often sent ahead of Russian regular troops.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Ivashchenko explained that some mercenaries are recruited through deceptive methods: individuals seeking work in Russia are offered contracts they may not fully understand. Ukrainian forces have captured such troops, providing evidence through documents and intercepted communications. Ukrainian intelligence is also engaging with countries from which Moscow is recruiting these fighters to monitor and respond to attempts to enlist their citizens.

Further context from Ukraine's Foreign Ministry states that at least 2,982 people have been recruited from 37 African countries alone, with 486 confirmed killed, underscoring the human cost of this recruitment approach. Ukraine has also launched an online platform available in several languages to share verified information on Russian recruitment tactics and provide guidance for potential recruits and their families.

Known from the source

• Russia is using mercenaries from more than 40 countries in its war against Ukraine.
• Foreign nationals are mainly employed in Russian assault units and often sent ahead of Russian troops.
• Some mercenaries are recruited through deception, signing contracts without full understanding.
• Ukraine has taken prisoners from these foreign mercenary ranks and has gathered evidence via documents and intercepted communications.
• Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry reports at least 2,982 recruits from 37 African countries, with 486 confirmed killed.

What remains unclear

Ivashchenko emphasized that despite this foreign recruitment, mercenaries do not resolve Russia’s broader manpower shortages but only partially offset losses. This continued use of foreign fighters adds a complex layer to the conflict, affecting both the military front and the information war.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of the total number of mercenaries Russia has recruited beyond Ukrainian intelligence claims. Verification of casualty toll among recruited mercenaries. Confirmation of the effectiveness and scope of Ukrainian intelligence engagement with countries whose citizens are recruited.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: New Voice Ukraine. Open the source.