Key facts
- Irkutsk Oblast in Siberia is offering a record 1.5 million rubles ($17,800) for recruiting foreign nationals to fight for Russia in Ukraine.
- The previous maximum payment for recruiters in the region was 400,000 rubles.
- Payments for recruiting Russian citizens outside Irkutsk Oblast were doubled to 800,000 rubles.
- Smolensk Oblast raised its recruiter payment to 1 million rubles, and Ryazan Oblast also increased some payments.
- Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters reported in April that at least 28,391 foreign nationals from 136 countries were fighting for Russia.
- Amnesty International cited these figures but stated it could not independently verify them.
Siberia’s Irkutsk Oblast has significantly increased its financial incentives for recruiting foreign nationals to fight for Russia in Ukraine, offering a record 1.5 million rubles ($17,800) per recruit, according to independent outlet Vyorstka. The decree, signed by Governor Igor Kobzev, nearly quadruples the previous maximum payment of 400,000 rubles ($4,700) for bringing in foreign soldiers. This move comes as Russia seeks additional manpower for its ongoing conflict.
The region has also doubled payments for recruiting Russian citizens registered outside Irkutsk Oblast, to 800,000 rubles ($9,500). Other regions, including Smolensk Oblast and Ryazan Oblast, have also raised their recruitment bonuses, with Smolensk offering up to 1 million rubles ($11,900).
These increased incentives coincide with growing evidence of Russia's reliance on foreign fighters, particularly from lower-income countries. In April, Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War stated that at least 28,391 foreign nationals from 136 countries were fighting for the Russian military. Amnesty International cited these figures in a September 10 report, though it could not independently verify them.
Amnesty International also detailed that Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals has involved deceptive and exploitative practices, such as false promises of jobs, high salaries, residency, or citizenship. The human rights group documented cases where recruits signed contracts they didn't understand, had passports confiscated, received minimal training, faced restricted movement, and were threatened when attempting to leave. Amnesty concluded that these recruitment practices often amount to human trafficking.