Almost 46,000 foreigners have signed contracts with Russian army since 2022, Ukraine says

Since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, nearly 46,000 foreigners have enlisted in the Russian military, according to Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters. These recruits hail from 151 countries, with significant numbers from Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Belarus, as well as various African and Latin American nations. The Kremlin has intensified its recruitment efforts, aiming for 18,500 foreign soldiers by year-end, with a potential total of 21,500. Many recruits seek Russian citizenship, while a notable percentage were unaware of combat involvement. A significant portion has been captured by Ukrainian forces, with many expressing a desire to return to Russia during exchanges.