On 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

B100170/2026

European Parliament resolution on 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

(2026/2641(RSP))

The European Parliament,

having regard to its previous resolutions on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, ​

whereas Russia continues its illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine;

whereas Ukrainian authorities reported that, as of November 2025, at least 18,000 foreign nationals from 128 countries had fought for Russia, with at least 3,380 killed;

whereas Russian state actors and recruitment networks systematically target non-Russian nationals, including from African countries, through deceptive schemes promising employment, education, residency or fast-tracked citizenship;

whereas over 1,780 citizens of African countries are reportedly fighting in the Russian army against Ukraine;

whereas official statements by several African countries indicate that dozens, and in some cases hundreds, of their citizens have been recruited, deployed, detained, injured or killed in Russia’s war effort, often without informed consent and under conditions amounting to trafficking, forced labour or forced conscription;

whereas African nationals, especially women, are also subjected to exploitative labour in Russia’s military manufacturing facilities;

Condemns the recruitment, trafficking and coercion of foreign nationals into Russia’s military service or war-related labour;

Stresses that these practices constitute grave human rights violations and amount to human trafficking, forced labour and, in certain cases, forced participation in hostilities in breach of international law;

Holds the Russian authorities responsible for creating and enabling these schemes through state-linked companies, intermediaries and military structures;

Expresses deep concern over the deaths, disappearances, and trauma suffered by victims and the denial of information, access to remains, or legal remedies to their families;

Demands that Russia immediately cease foreign recruitment, release those coerced into service and ensure their safe repatriation;

Condemns the policies of governments that facilitate or fail to prevent their citizens’ participation in Russia’s aggression;

Urges the concerned governments to dismantle recruitment networks and warn their citizens of the risks of travelling to Russia;

Calls on social media platforms to proactively counter deceptive recruitment campaigns;

Urges the EU and its Member States to raise this issue in all diplomatic forums and support affected countries in protecting their nationals;

Calls for enhanced cooperation with partner governments, regional organisations and civil society to prevent deceptive recruitment, dismantle trafficking networks and assist victims;

Encourages the documentation and preservation of evidence to ensure future accountability for war crimes and human rights violations;

Calls for targeted restrictive measures against individuals and entities involved in the exploitation of foreign nationals for Russia’s war effort;

Reiterates its unwavering support for Ukraine and notes that the exploitation of vulnerable foreign nationals further illustrates the criminal nature of Russia’s aggression;

Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the HR/VP, the African Union, the UN and the governments of Ukraine and Russia.