Russia using migrants as cannon fodder
Photo: Russia uses foreigners in war (Getty Images)
Russia is actively recruiting labor migrants from Central Asia to fight in its war against Ukraine. Most of them die on the front lines, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense on Telegram.
According to the intelligence agency, citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian countries are increasingly falling victim to forced mobilization by Russian security forces.
Labor migrants who come to Russia in search of work are particularly vulnerable.
The Russian army lures foreign nationals with promises of quick money through short-term contracts. However, the reality is starkly different—most of these “volunteers” are killed on the front lines.
Among the known casualties are Uzbek mercenaries Umarov Sirozhiddin Sabirdzhanovich and Kholbuvazada Mukhammad Fayzullo, who served in motorized rifle units and were killed in combat.
Migrants are mobilized into separate units and sent to the most dangerous sections of the front.
Even those who survive risk criminal prosecution upon returning home for serving in a foreign armed force, with the prospect of long-term imprisonment.
This once again highlights Russia’s use of labor migrants as “cannon fodder” in the war against Ukraine.
Chinese mercenaries in the war against Ukraine
It should be recalled that Russian media have identified 51 Chinese nationals who signed contracts with the occupying army. They reportedly traveled to Moscow for this purpose.
Reports of Chinese citizens fighting on the Russian side in Ukraine first emerged on April 8, when Ukrainian forces captured two Chinese nationals in Donetsk region.
