Russia is actively recruiting former Afghan servicemen, special forces fighters, and intelligence personnel to participate in the conflict against Ukraine. This information was confirmed by Oleg Alexandrov, an employee of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service.
“Former Afghan servicemen, special forces fighters, and intelligence are being recruited for the war against Ukraine. The recruitment is facilitated by the decision announced in March 2025 by the USA to end the temporary protection program for Afghan citizens and the beginning of the deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran.”
Afgani soldiers are promised a salary ranging from $1,500 to $2,500 per month by Russia, as well as the opportunity to obtain citizenship or a temporary residence permit in Russia. The number of Afghan soldiers trained by instructors from the USA, the UK, and other NATO countries is about 20,000 to 25,000.
Recruitment in other countries
Russian intelligence services are looking for mercenaries for the war in Iran, Iraq, and other countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean. They are also trying to persuade foreign citizens already fighting on Russia's side to return home by reaching out for assistance from their country's consular offices.
About 1,400 citizens of Iraq are fighting in the Russian army, as well as other foreign mercenaries recruited from various continents.
Reports of the intelligence on the recruitment of former Afghan soldiers to participate in the conflict against Ukraine indicate that Russia is actively seeking new sources of personnel for its military operations. It is important to highlight these issues as they may have serious implications for the security of various countries, not just for Ukraine. It also underscores the need for international cooperation in combating recruitment and military threats from Russia.