Russia Expands African Military Recruitment to Offset Ukraine Losses
The Government of Russia is recruiting soldiers from dysfunctional African states to address personnel shortages caused by massive losses in the war against Ukraine.
The Government of Russia is expanding its military recruitment efforts across Africa to address critical personnel shortages and offset massive losses sustained during its war against Ukraine. According to a report from the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, Moscow shifted its focus toward more dysfunctional states during the first nine months of 2026.
Recruitment efforts have specifically targeted Zimbabwe, Burundi, and Sierra Leone. This strategic pivot follows attempts by the governments of Kenya and South Africa to prevent their own citizens from leaving to join the Russian military.
