Russia recruited 150 mercenaries from 25 countries: who is going to fight against Ukraine

Involvement of Foreign Mercenaries in Russia's War Against Ukraine

According to Главком: In December 2025, Russia recruited 150 foreign mercenaries from 25 countries to wage war against Ukraine. This decision became part of Moscow's approach to expanding its military capabilities. According to information, about 200 more foreigners are preparing to join the Russian army, indicating active efforts by Russia in this area.

Main Countries Supplying Mercenaries

The main countries supplying mercenaries are:

• Belarus
• Tajikistan
• Uzbekistan
• Cuba
• Kenya
• China

These countries are part of the post-Soviet space and the Global South, from which Russia draws resources to staff its military units. Experts point out that the Moscow authorities deliberately exploit the economic instability of poor countries and limited opportunities for legal migration to turn these factors into a means of control and pressure.

Oleg Ivashchenko emphasizes that the presence of citizens from China, Cuba, and African countries is actively used in propaganda narratives as evidence of support from the 'non-Western world.'

The involvement of foreigners in the war has a distinct political subtext as Moscow seeks to present the conflict as a larger confrontation that extends beyond the bilateral conflict between Russia and Ukraine. This underscores the Kremlin's intention to demonstrate global support for its actions on the international stage.

The high level of involvement of foreign mercenaries in Russian military actions may indicate growing difficulties faced by the Kremlin in staffing its armed forces. Additionally, it highlights Russia's strategy of using international connections and economic conditions in other countries to support its military campaigns. In this regard, the further development of the situation may impact the geopolitical dynamics in the region and beyond. Thus, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues to be complex and multifaceted, with numerous external factors influencing its evolution.