Foreigners in the Russian army: 10 percent of prisoners of war in Ukraine are foreign citizens

As of September 2026, citizens of foreign countries make up nearly 10 percent of Russian military prisoners in Ukraine. This was reported by the "Khochu Zhyt" project.

 

According to it, among those captured while serving in the Russian Armed Forces are citizens from 55 countries of the world.

 

The data states that since 2022, the names of nearly 29,000 foreigners who signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces have been identified. It was also noted that the Russian Ministry of Defense plans to recruit another 18,500 foreigners for military service during 2026.

 

According to the report, Russia is recruiting foreigners, particularly representatives of economically disadvantaged groups, through large payments and promises of a better life. It is stated that they are subsequently sent to dangerous sections of combat operations.

 

It is also said that after diplomatic pressure and resistance from the governments of certain countries, Russia has stopped recruiting foreigners for military service in 39 countries. Among these countries are China, India, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, and Ghana.

 

The data notes that Russia is currently intensifying recruitment of foreigners in South American, Central Asian, and African countries.

 

In particular, it was noted that in the first 9 months of 2026, the number of captured foreigners who fought on the Russian side in Ukraine exceeded the figure recorded during 2025.

 

It is said that among them are citizens of Argentina, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Honduras, Vietnam, Mongolia, and other countries.

 

It is noted that this data is based on information regarding the scale and geography of foreign recruitment in the Russian Armed Forces.