Russia is sending young Africans to die in Ukraine, Bloomberg says.
European officials estimate that the Kremlin has forced thousands of foreign students and migrants to fight alongside Russian troops in Ukraine, joining the ranks of offensive forces in Kharkiv Oblast.
Russian officials have increasingly threatened not to renew the visas of African students and young workers unless they agree to join the armed forces. Some Africans in Russia on work visas have been detained and forced to choose between deportation and the army, one European official said. Some were able to pay bribes to stay in the country and avoid military service.
Ukrainian intelligence reports say Russia is conducting a global campaign to recruit foreign mercenaries in at least 21 countries, including several African nations. The recruitment campaigns offer potential contractors large bonuses and salaries. Recruiters also targeted migrants and students who had previously sought work in Russia. In some cases, they were lured with promises of good jobs and then forced to undergo training and be sent to the front.
A senior Ukrainian official said the number of foreign fighters has increased among the captives. He said Africans and Nepalese are particularly common.
