Russia has been forcibly recruiting labour migrants from Central Asia to fight in the war against Ukraine. These individuals are organised into separate units and sent to the most perilous sections of the frontline.
This was reported by the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine.
According to intelligence, Russia’s forced mobilisation targets citizens of Central Asian countries, particularly Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The individuals affected are primarily labour migrants who travelled to Russia in search of employment.
Representatives of the Russian military deceive foreigners with promises of “quick money” through short-term contracts. In reality, the likelihood of both earning income and surviving is extremely low. Most of these so-called “volunteers” are killed in action.
“Among the recently killed mercenaries are citizens of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan:
Umarov Sirozhiddin Sabyrjanovich, private of the 164th Separate Motorised Rifle Brigade (military unit 11740), badge AB-986480, born on 19 March 1984, Tashkent.
Kholbuvozoda Muhammad Fayzullo, call sign Basmach, private of the 1st Motorised Rifle Regiment (unit 31135), badge AB-052894, born on 28 January 1984. He signed the contract on 25 February 2025,” the statement reads.
The mobilised migrants are used to form distinct units, which are typically assigned to the most hazardous areas of the frontline. “Even if they survive their service at the front, such combatants cannot return to normal life: in their countries of origin, they face criminal prosecution for participation in the armed forces of a foreign state, with the prospect of long-term imprisonment,” the intelligence adds.
- Additionally, Russian forces are reportedly stealing passport data from men in the temporarily occupied territories (TOT) of Ukraine and using it to sign contracts for military service in the Russian Armed Forces.