Russia faces allegations of coercing African migrants, and students into military service for the Ukraine war by threatening visa/deportation unless they join invasion forces. Claims highlight exploitation tactics amid manpower shortages.
Moscow is facing allegations that it is exploiting and coercing thousands of African migrants and foreign students in Russia into military service for its invasion of Ukraine in exchange for renewing their visas and residency permits.
According to assessments by some European officials cited by Bloomberg, the Kremlin has threatened African students and young workers with deportation unless they agree to join Russian forces and deploy to the front lines in Ukraine. The coercive conscription tactics allegedly mirror those previously used by the notorious Wagner mercenary group.
"Russia has been threatening not to extend the visas of African students and young workers unless they agree to join the military," one European official familiar with the matter told Bloomberg on condition of anonymity.
The official added that migrants from Africa legally working in Russia have also reportedly been detained and faced with an ultimatum - either be deported or forced into military service for Russia's war effort.
In some cases, the official claimed, Africans were able to bribe Russian authorities to avoid conscription and remain in the country. But many are said to be living under the threat of potential forced military service.
The allegations, if true, would represent an appalling violation of human rights and abuse of foreign nationals residing in Russia, largely for educational pursuits or economic opportunities. Precise numbers are unknown, but thousands of students from Africa study at Russian universities annually.
Moscow has officially denied the claims, which come amid reports citing Ukrainian intelligence that Russia has embarked on a global recruitment drive seeking foreign mercenaries from at least 21 countries to reinforce its struggling military campaign.
Russian Army recruiting has intensified with lucrative signing bonuses and salaries being offered, often targeting migrants, students and other foreigners with promises of employment before forcing them into military training and combat deployments.
International human rights monitors and African embassies in Moscow are investigating the allegations, which could severely strain Russia's relations across the African continent. Some African nations have already spoken out to condemn the potential coerced conscription of their citizens residing in Russia.
The disturbing reports shed further light on the brutal lengths Putin's regime may be willing to go to replenish its depleted ranks of soldiers - including the apparent exploitation of foreign civilians through extortion and forced military service.
