Russia's Strategy for Bolstering Its Occupation Forces
Russia has implemented a new system to replenish its occupation troops, which involves the indirect coercion of foreigners into military service. According to Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, this mechanism creates conditions that make residing in Russia without a Russian passport virtually impossible. The authorities present a contract with the Russian Armed Forces as the sole path to obtaining citizenship. Consequently, foreigners seeking to legalize their status may find themselves in a situation where signing a military contract becomes their only option. This tactic exploits the vulnerabilities of migrant populations seeking stability.
Migration Data and Recruitment Figures
Data from Russia's Ministry of Internal Affairs shows that in 2024, over 157,000 foreigners who violated migration laws were forcibly made to leave the country—a 45% increase from the previous year. However, this number dropped to 72,000 people in 2025. The ministry has prepared amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences that broaden the grounds for pressuring foreigners.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa reported the return of citizens whose families claim they were deceived into signing military contracts to fight against Ukraine on Russia's side. In South Africa, participation in or assistance to foreign armed forces has been a criminal offense under legislation in force since 1998. South African citizens implicated in organizing recruitment remain under investigation.
The situation involving mercenaries from Gambia, who fought for Russia against Ukraine and received Russian citizenship, is particularly notable. Since most countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America officially oppose the recruitment of their citizens into the Russian army, Moscow has chosen a circumvention route, artificially creating conditions where staying in the country without a Russian passport becomes nearly impossible. As Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service notes:
'The real goal of the mechanism is different: to force migrants who seek to normalize their family's situation and avoid persecution to voluntarily sign a contract. Formally, there is no coercion, no recruitment. The person simply "chooses" citizenship through service in the army of the aggressor.'
This new mechanism raises concerns and endangers the security of numerous foreigners who find themselves in a difficult position. Russia's actions in this area reveal not only attempts to fill its military ranks but also potential risks to international security.
The introduction of this system for reinforcing Russia's military ranks indicates the country continues to seek ways to strengthen its armed forces despite international pressure and sanctions. Enlisting foreigners into military service could increase tensions between Russia and their countries of origin and create new humanitarian problems for victims of forced recruitment. It is crucial for the international community to address these issues, given their potential serious consequences for global security and stability. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created a sustained demand for personnel, driving such coercive policies.
As Russia intensifies its recruitment efforts, the international community is taking notice. The European Parliament has condemned the enlistment of foreign fighters, highlighting the broader implications of these tactics on global security and the potential legal repercussions for those involved. This growing concern reflects the urgency of understanding Russia's strategies and their impact on international relations.