Amnesty International has published findings alleging that Russian authorities are engaging in human trafficking practices to bolster their military forces in Ukraine. According to the report, foreign nationals from various countries are being targeted with promises of legitimate employment, such as construction or security work, only to be forced into military service upon their arrival in Russia.

The report details a pattern of deception where recruiters exploit the economic vulnerabilities of migrants. Once these individuals arrive in the country, their travel documents are often confiscated, and they are reportedly pressured or coerced into signing military contracts. Amnesty International characterizes these actions as a violation of international law, specifically pointing to the use of fraudulent recruitment tactics to funnel non-citizens into active combat zones.

While the report provides specific allegations regarding the mechanics of this recruitment, it does not detail the specific nationalities most affected or the exact number of individuals allegedly trafficked. The Russian government has not yet issued a formal response to these specific claims from Amnesty International. Because the report relies on testimonies and documentation gathered by the organization, the scale of this alleged operation remains difficult to verify independently. The situation highlights the broader humanitarian concerns regarding the treatment of foreign workers within the Russian Federation during the mobilization efforts for the war in Ukraine.