Recruitment surge in African countries

The Russian army has intensified its recruitment efforts in several African nations since the start of this year, according to a report obtained by Bloomberg from sources linked to Ukrainian intelligence services. The increase is notable, with significant numbers of recruits coming from countries like Burundi and Zimbabwe.

Burundi and Zimbabwe see sharp increases

In Burundi, the number of men recruited rose 23 times in the first nine months of the year, from 30 in the entire previous year to 699. In Zimbabwe, recruitment increased 8 times, from 65 to 530 during the same period. These figures highlight a dramatic acceleration in recruitment efforts.

Foreign fighters in Ukraine since 2022

Since 2022, Russia has been recruiting foreign soldiers to fight in Ukraine. This campaign has accelerated significantly in the past year, with 16,168 foreigners signing contracts with the Russian army between January and September. That number is already higher than the total for the entire year of 2025.

Focus on fragile African nations

Moscow has recently focused on some of the most vulnerable countries in Africa, including Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Madagascar, and Burundi. These nations often have weaker economies and political systems, making them potential targets for recruitment efforts.

High salaries lure recruits

The base salary for foreign fighters, as listed on Russian recruitment sites, is around $2,400 per month. This is about 2.4 times the annual GDP per capita of Burundi, which is the lowest in the world according to the International Monetary Fund. Signing bonuses can reach up to $30,000, depending on the recruit's nationality.

Compensating for high losses

These foreign recruits help the Russian army partially offset its high casualties. According to Ukrainian military reports, Russia is losing more than 1,800 soldiers per day (killed or wounded) in recent weeks, double the rate from February. This has increased the need for foreign fighters.

Deceptive recruitment tactics

The recruitment campaign sometimes uses misleading tactics, with recruiters promising civilian jobs in sectors like hospitality or transport. These practices may strain relations between Moscow and some African countries. Botswana has warned its citizens against such contracts.

Legal actions and concerns

In Kenya and South Africa, recruiters have been charged for their involvement. In February, a Kenyan politician estimated that up to 1,000 Kenyan citizens had been recruited to fight for Russia. These actions raise concerns about the scale and legality of the recruitment efforts.

Recruitment spans multiple regions

Currently, Moscow recruits approximately 1,800 foreigners each month, not only in Africa but also in Central Asia, South Asia, and Latin America. This indicates a broad and ongoing effort to bolster its military forces with foreign fighters.