Condemnation of Russian recruitment of African mercenaries

The European Parliament condemned Russia’s deceptive recruitment practices by an overwhelming majority (479 for, 17 against). Russia systematically uses lies and coercion to recruit thousands of foreigners, especially from Africa, Cuba and Asia, to use as “cannon fodder” in its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine.

Investigations have uncovered organized networks that use social media to lure people from low-income areas with false promises of lucrative jobs, education or citizenship. However, the reality is brutally different. Upon arrival in Russia, these individuals are forcibly sent directly to the front or exploited in dangerous drone factories.

The resolution draws attention to specific cases, such as Kenyan Francis Ndarua being fraudulently recruited, or hundreds of African women tricked into working in the arms industry. These practices fulfill the characteristics of human trafficking and represent a serious violation of international humanitarian law that can be classified as a war crime.

Parliament urges the affected states to increase vigilance at borders, proactively warn their citizens against traveling to Russia and facilitate the repatriation of victims. Social media platforms must take responsibility and, in cooperation with the authorities, actively identify and remove recruitment content linked to Russian networks.

According to the resolution, the EU and member states should make maximum diplomatic efforts to release detained foreigners and impose targeted sanctions on persons and entities responsible for this modern slave trade. Russia is required to immediately end recruitment and unconditionally return all fraudulently lured persons to their home countries.