Russia Boosts Forces with 1,500 New Foreign Mercenaries for Ukraine Conflict

Russia is not alone in recruiting foreign nationals to bolster its military ranks. Many foreigners, such as Americans, are also engaged in combat for Ukraine.

The Russian military keeps enlisting foreign mercenaries to battle in Ukraine. Despite the relatively modest total count of these international fighters when contrasted with the significant losses and demands faced daily by Russian troops in Ukraine, they still serve as an essential temporary solution to bolster their ranks for Moscow.

A Guide to Russia’s Foreign Mercenary Units

As reported recently by iStories, an independent Russian news organization, the Russian armed forces enlisted over 1,500 foreign nationals from Moscow between April 2023 and the end of May 2024 to participate in the Kremlin’s “special military operation” in Ukraine. In terms of origin, the majority of mercenaries came from South and East Asia (771 individuals), followed by people from the previous republics of the Soviet Union (523 individuals) and individuals from African nations (72 individuals). In total, representatives from over 48 different foreign countries were included. have enlisted in the Russian forces.

"Probably, Russia’s enlistment of foreigners isn’t well-organized; instead, many join by signing agreements due to monetary benefits and the chance at future Russian citizenship," according to the British Ministry of Defence. assessed In their most recent intelligence assessment regarding the Ukrainian conflict.

"It is probable that numerous foreign nationals join forces through Moscow because of the city’s more substantial recruitment incentives and easier access for internationals," the British Ministry of Defence noted additionally.

In general, though, the total count of foreign mercenaries In the Russian service, its significance is minimal compared to the total power of the Russian military. The Kremlin reportedly has around 600,000 troops in active combat against Ukraine—meaning that even if all 1,500 mercenaries were deployed there, they would make up only 0.25 percent of the total.

"Foreign nationals likely constitute only a minor portion of the overall enlistment figures for the Russian Armed Forces, as there is a much stronger focus on recruiting individuals from inside Russia," the British Ministry of Defence noted additionally.

Moreover, Russia is not alone in recruiting foreign individuals to bolster its military ranks. Similarly, a considerable number of outsiders, such as Americans, are also engaged in combat on behalf of Ukraine.

Nevertheless, some hiring of international individuals will likely persist in the intermediate future. Russia keeps its present approach to recruiting, aimed at replenishing significant combat casualties without having to adopt new methods a subsequent surge of activation ," the British Ministry of Defence determined.

Russia’s Foreign Recruiting Efforts Help Avoid Another Conscription

Steering clear of a subsequent surge in mobilization is crucial. Russian President Vladimir Putin During the initial phase of mobilization in 2022, approximately one million males escaped abroad to dodge conscription. Additionally, three years of significant losses have exhausted alternative recruiting sources within Russia. Consequently, should further mobilization occur, it would likely draw upon individuals from Moscow and St. Petersburg—areas that remain relatively untouched by conflict due to their significance politically. However, instigating draft efforts here could potentially provoke public unrest capable of destabilizing Putin’s authority. On the contrary, more impoverished and marginalized parts of Russia have experienced much greater participation levels in military service.

Along with hired foreigners, the Russian military has received reinforcements from North Korea In the form of a force totaling roughly 15,000 men. At first, Pyongyang dispatched about 11,000 personnel to support the Russian forces. Due to tactical failures and heavy losses, the North Korean administration deployed another 4,000 soldiers. It should be noted that unlike mercenary groups from abroad, these North Korean fighters do not integrate into the Russian army but instead cooperate with them side by side. Additionally, until now, the combat operations of Pyongyang’s units have been confined to the Kursk Oblast within Russia—a region targeted during Ukraine's offensive in August 2024—and they haven’t engaged in direct conflict inside Ukrainian territory itself.

About the Author: Stavros Atlamazoglou

Stavros Atlamazoglou is an experienced defense journalist with expertise in special operations Additionally, he is a veteran of the Hellenic Army (having completed national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and at Army Headquarters). He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and went on to obtain his Master’s from the university’s School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His professional writings have been showcased in various publications. Business Insider , Sandboxx , and SOFREP .

Image: Shutterstock / Ira.foto.2024.