According to a report by Bloomberg, Russia is purportedly coercing thousands of migrants and foreign students, including Nigerians, to join its military efforts in the war against Ukraine as a condition for visa renewal.
European officials have allegedly assessed that the Kremlin is employing tactics akin to those used by the Wagner mercenary group to bolster its forces.
The report suggests that Moscow has been leveraging the threat of visa non-renewal to compel African students and young workers to enlist in the military.
Some individuals have allegedly faced detention and the ultimatum of deportation or military service. While a few managed to bribe officials to remain in the country, many were forced into training and deployment on the front lines.
An unnamed European official highlighted that Russia’s practice of conscripting migrants and students into combat dates back to earlier stages of the conflict. These individuals, often deployed in risky offensive maneuvers, reportedly suffer disproportionately high casualty rates compared to trained soldiers.
While Russia’s ability to mobilize additional troops from migrant and student populations could influence the course of the war, its forces have faced significant challenges, including shortages of personnel and ammunition.
The UK Ministry of Defence estimates that Russia lost over 1,200 soldiers daily in May, marking the highest casualty rate of the war.
Although President Vladimir Putin has refrained from a full-scale mobilization, Russia has intensified its bombing campaign against Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, with apparent intent to render it uninhabitable. Despite these efforts, Putin has faced difficulties in achieving significant military gains.
Foreign fighters from various countries, including Africans and Nepalis, have reportedly been captured on the battlefield by Ukrainian forces. Some of Ukraine’s allies are considering sharing intelligence on these developments with affected nations.
The report also sheds light on Russia’s recruitment efforts in countries such as Nepal, where young men have been enticed by promises of lucrative employment.
The cessation of Nepal’s recruitment of Gurkhas for the Indian army may have contributed to the increased interest in opportunities abroad.
While Western nations have urged support for Ukraine, many countries, particularly from the Global South, have remained neutral, with their populations targeted by Russian disinformation campaigns.
Previous reports by Reuters have highlighted the involvement of the Wagner mercenary group in recruiting African citizens for military operations in Ukraine. With thousands of African students currently studying in Russia, the alleged pressure to join military efforts raises concerns about their safety and well-being.
Yevgeny Primakov, head of Rossotrudnichestvo, disclosed that approximately 6,500 African students are enrolled in Russian universities annually, reflecting the significant presence of African nationals in the country’s education system.