Russia is expanding military recruitment in some of Africa's poorest countries to compensate for heavy casualties and manpower shortages in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian intelligence report.

Russia is expanding military recruitment in some of Africa's poorest countries to compensate for heavy casualties and manpower shortages in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian intelligence report.

Recruitment saw significant increases in Burundi (699 recruits, compared to 30 in 2025) and Zimbabwe (530, compared to 65), as well as increases in Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This change comes after warnings and objections by some African governments about recruitment practices, including false promises of civilian job opportunities.

Ukraine says it has identified 45,959 foreigners from 151 countries who have signed military contracts with Russia, including 5,451 Africans.

Source: Bloomberg

Telegram sources