Key facts
- Egyptian students in Russia are being recruited to fight in Ukraine.
- Recruitment offers include salaries up to $6,000 and Russian citizenship.
- At least two Egyptian students, Mohamed Salah and Amar Mohamed, have joined the Russian army.
- Amar Mohamed appeared as a prisoner of war in a video released by Ukrainian forces.
- Egyptian media reports that 25 Egyptian mercenaries have died in the conflict.
Egyptian students studying in Russia have reportedly been pressured to join the Russian army or face expulsion, with offers of significant salaries and expedited citizenship. Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian student, signed a contract with the Russian military, enticed by promises of financial benefits and a fast track to Russian citizenship. Another Egyptian student, Amar Mohamed, appeared as a prisoner of war in a video after being persuaded by Russian propaganda to enlist. Reports from Egyptian media indicate that at least 25 Egyptian mercenaries have died since the conflict began. Some Egyptian prisoners in Russia have allegedly been blackmailed into fighting on the front lines under threat of deportation.