In order to avoid domestic mobilization ahead of the 2024 presidential elections, Russia is recruiting foreigners for the war against Ukraine, according to the Ministry of Defence of the United Kingdom.
"Russia likely wishes to avoid further unpopular domestic mobilisation measures in the run up to the 2024 Presidential elections. Exploiting foreign nationals allows the Kremlin to acquire additional personnel for its war effort in the face of mounting casualties," the briefing states.
It is noted that as of the end of June 2023, Russia was reaching out to citizens of neighboring countries to join the fighting in Ukraine.
For instance, there were online advertisements in Armenia and Kazakhstan offering service in the Russian army. Foreigners were offered an initial payment of 495,000 rubles (5,140 US dollars) and salaries starting from 190,000 rubles (1,973 US dollars).
Recruitment of ethnic Russians was conducted in the Kostanay Region in northern Kazakhstan. Additionally, since May 2023, Russia has been recruiting migrants from Central Asian countries, promising expedited citizenship and salaries of up to 4,160 dollars.
British intelligence notes that there are at least six million migrants from Central Asia in Russia, whom the Kremlin likely considers potential recruits.
Furthermore, according to the Ministry of Defence of the UK, in the occupied city of Mariupol, Uzbek migrant construction workers had their passports confiscated upon arrival and were compelled to join the Russian army.
