Stop Russia trafficking people into war

Foreign nationals are being deceived, coerced and sent by the Russian authorities to the front line of the illegal war in Ukraine. Many recruits are promised civilian jobs, but instead have their passports taken away and are promptly sent to the front line. In many cases these practices amount to human trafficking. The Russian authorities have enabled, facilitated and benefited from such practices. This must end, and those responsible must be brought to account.

What’s the problem?

Russia has recruited thousands of foreign nationals, many from low-income countries, to fight in its war against Ukraine. Amnesty International’s research shows this recruitment has often relied on deception and coercion for the purpose of exploitation and amounts to human trafficking.

‘Nalin’ from Sri Lanka was promised a civilian job as a security guard, but instead he was taken to a Russian military training camp after he signed a contract he could not read. His phone and passport were taken from him.

Noone explained anything, and I did not understand what was going on.

‘Nalin’, Sri Lanka

A South African citizen was promised a job as a truck driver in Poland but instead was flown into Russia and coerced into signing a military contract. His wife spoke to Amnesty International. ‘Upon arrival in Moscow, everything was taken from him. There were times when I did not talk to him for two months. He was told that he would not be going to Poland and that he is becoming a soldier.’

People were promised civilian jobs, high salaries and a fast track to Russian citizenship. Instead, many signed contracts they did not understand, had their passports taken from them and were quickly sent to the front line after, at best, rudimentary training. Those who tried to leave were threatened. Many have been killed. Others are missing or have ended up as prisoners of war in Ukraine.

Read Amnesty International’s research briefing to find out more.

Recruiters and other intermediaries, state officials and commanding officers who organized, facilitated or enabled these abusive practices must be held to account.

What you can do to help?

Call on the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs for immediate action to end practices amounting to human trafficking. All those responsible must be brought to account, and victims must be guaranteed protection and compensation.