The 24th marks two years since Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine.
As the invasion continues to prolong, there are reports that there are foreigners employed by the Russian military to fight on the front lines, but according to NHK's compilation of government announcements and reports from various countries, the number of foreigners is estimated to be at least 25 countries. It turned out that there were approximately 3,000 people from the area.
It has been pointed out that the Russian military is continuing to invade Ukraine while committing large numbers of troops, regardless of sacrifices, and it has been reported in the media that not only Russians but also foreigners are being sent to the front lines.
NHK compiled announcements by the governments and human rights organizations of these foreigners' countries of origin, as well as local media reports, and found that the number of foreigners is approximately 3,000 from at least 25 countries and regions.
By country and region
, Syria in the Middle East has the highest number of
cases with approximately 2,000 cases, Nepal and Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia with at least 200 cases
, Cuba with at least 199 cases
, and Central Africa with approximately 150 cases
.
However, it has been pointed out that there are cases that have not been reported, and the actual number is believed to be even higher.
Some of the foreigners fighting on the Russian side have been recruited by private military companies to participate in the battle while in Russian prisons, or have been recruited by the Russian side for large sums of money in places such as Nepal and Cuba. It has become clear.
Last month, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he would simplify the application process for Russian citizenship for foreigners who have signed a one-year contract with the Russian military and their families, with the aim of hiring foreigners to fill the military shortage. It seems that there is.
“Soldiers recruited in Central Africa, not returning”
Filip Obagi, a journalist familiar with Russia's movements in Africa, told NHK that Russia is recruiting soldiers in Central Africa and sending at least 150 soldiers to the battlefield, citing Central African government officials and others. It is believed that he was directed there.
Mr. Obagi said, ``The Russian private military company Wagner, which was facing a shortage of soldiers in Ukraine, focused on rebel fighters who had surrendered to the government in Central Africa and promised to pay them salaries. "I even took him to Moscow."
He added, ``When soldiers who went to the Russian side contacted local people, they sometimes said, ``I was abandoned by the Russian commander and I was in a lot of trouble.'' Very few people have returned, and we have no idea what happened to them."