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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2026/2641(RSP))

On the human trafficking and grave human rights violations linked to the recruitment of non-Russian nationals, in particular Africans, for Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine

B-10-2026-0166

on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Mika Aaltola, Francisco Assis, Marit Maij, Yannis Maniatis

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This resolution condemns the deceptive recruitment of non-Russian nationals, especially Africans, for Russia's war in Ukraine, calling on states, social media platforms, and the EU to combat these practices and support victims.

Key points

  1. Strongly condemns the deceptive recruitment of non-Russian nationals, trafficked and coerced to fight for Russia in its war against Ukraine.
  2. Urges all states concerned to combat illegal recruitment and human trafficking networks, hold those responsible accountable, and prevent participation in Russia's war, including by prohibiting nationals from taking part in foreign wars and warning them of dangers.
  3. Calls on social media platforms to detect, remove and report content used for illegal military recruitment and human trafficking, and on states to hold platforms accountable.
  4. Calls on all states to ratify or accede and implement the UN International Convention Against the Recruitment, Use, Financing and Training of Mercenaries.
  5. Underscores that deceptive recruitment tactics coincide with Russia's influence in African states, including through private military companies and information manipulation campaigns.
  6. Demands that Russia guarantee the safe return of those deceitfully recruited and immediately and unconditionally terminate all military activities in the entire internationally recognised territory of Ukraine.
  7. Calls on the EU and its Member States to communicate dangers of recruitment practices to states concerned, support their efforts to tackle networks and trafficking, and support repatriation and protection upon return.

Who is affected

  • Non-Russian nationals, particularly Africans, deceived into fighting for Russia.
  • Social media platforms used for recruitment campaigns.
  • States concerned, including African countries and Russia.

Figures and deadlines

  • More than 1,400 African nationals reportedly served in the Russian army between January 2023 and September 2025, with more than 300 killed.
  • Over 1,000 Kenyan nationals were duped into fighting for Russia in Ukraine.
  • Hundreds of African women have been tricked into working in drone-assembling factories in the Alabuga Special Economic Zone since 2022.