Russia is reportedly coercing thousands of migrants and foreign students into joining the war against Ukraine as a condition for visa renewal, according to a Bloomberg report based on assessments by European officials.
The officials allege that the Kremlin is employing tactics similar to those first used by the Wagner mercenary group, threatening African students and young workers with visa non-renewal unless they enlist in the military.
Additionally, Russia has been recruiting convicts from its prisons and detaining African workers on visas, giving them a choice between deportation or military service.
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One European official, who requested anonymity, stated that some individuals managed to bribe officials to stay in the country and avoid conscription.
Reports from Ukrainian intelligence indicate that Russia has launched a global recruitment campaign to enlist foreign mercenaries from at least 21 countries, including several African nations. The recruitment drives promise lucrative signing bonuses and salaries for those willing to become contract soldiers.
Recruiters have also targeted migrants and students who initially sought employment in Russia, in some cases luring them with promises of lucrative work before compelling them to train and deploy to the front lines.
