The European Parliament has adopted a resolution addressing the recruitment of non-Russian nationals, particularly from African countries, to fight in Russia’s war in Ukraine.
The vote held yesterday saw 479 MEPs in favour, 17 against and 43 abstentions.
MEPs described the recruitment as linked to human trafficking and human rights violations. They called on the European Union and member states to impose targeted sanctions on individuals and organisations involved.
The resolution highlights the use of deceptive methods, including online job and education offers, aimed at countries in Africa and South and Central Asia.
Lawmakers noted these practices may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity. They also urged social media platforms to cooperate with authorities to remove content used by Russian-linked recruitment networks.
The resolution refers to missing individuals, such as Kenyan national Francis Ndung’u Ndarua, and calls for information on his location and health, as well as his repatriation.
Reports indicate that some African recruits were promised civilian jobs, education, or salaries but were compelled to join the Russian military upon arrival.
According to Spanish newspaper El País, many young Africans travelled to Russia to study or work, only to discover they would be sent to fight in Ukraine through recruitment networks linked to Russian authorities.
In Kenya, one recruit, referred to as “Mr Odhiambo”, said he was offered a job and a sign-on bonus but was later forced to choose between signing a military contract or paying 2.4 million Russian roubles ($31,000) to leave.
Similar cases have been reported across the continent, with recruits signing contracts in Russian, receiving limited training, often as little as three weeks, and being sent to the front lines.
According to Ukrainian authorities, at least 1,780 African nationals from 36 countries are currently serving in Russia’s military, although the actual number may be higher.
Investigations suggest the recruitment is organised and co-ordinated by Russian authorities, including the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation (FSB).
The European Parliament’s resolution calls for accountability, targeted sanctions and support for victims of these recruitment practices.
