- September 22, 2025
- 7:46 pm
- World News
Russia, together with Iran, is actively recruiting mercenaries to participate in combat operations on the side of the Russian armed forces. The recruits mainly come from countries in the region, such as Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, and Yemen.
Recruitment Situation
Sources in the intelligence services, who provided information to “Ukrainian Pravda,” report the involvement of even former ISIS fighters. This has alarmed security experts, as such activity indicates serious personnel issues within the Russian army.
Mercenaries are attracted through various financial opportunities and promises of Russian citizenship. Mobilization is carried out through illegal migration routes that pass through several key directions.
Key Routes
- Middle East → Iran → Armenia → Georgia → Russia
- Middle East → Iran → Azerbaijan → Russia
- Middle East → Iran → Central Asian countries → Russia
- Afghanistan → Central Asian countries → Russia
Detentions of Illegal Migrants
Recently, there have been recorded cases of migrants being detained while attempting to cross the borders of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Central Asia. Correspondence found with the detainees indicates interaction with the Russian side and promises of specific rewards for participating in combat operations.
Confirmation of Recruitment
According to information, one of the detainees — an Iraqi citizen Amir Wisam Jwad, born in 2006, attempted to illegally cross the border. He was recruited by the Russian Ministry of Defense to participate in the conflict against Ukraine. According to sources, Jwad signed a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense on the recommendation of an employee named Polina Alexandrovna and joined the armed formation “Baghdad.”
Under the contract, he was promised generous compensation — from 3 to 8 thousand dollars, as well as obtaining Russian citizenship after six months of service in the combat zone. Those involved in recruitment pose a serious threat to the security of the region.