Russia offers cash bonuses, frees prisoners and lures foreigners to replenish its troops in Ukraine
Source: Associated Press
Russia offers cash bonuses, frees prisoners and lures foreigners to replenish its troops in Ukraine
DASHA LITVINOVA
Tue, January 27, 2026 at 12:18 AM EST
6 min read
For average wage earners in Russia, it's a big payday. For criminals seeking to escape the harsh conditions and abuse in prison, it's a chance at freedom. For immigrants hoping for a better life, it's a simplified path to citizenship.
All they have to do is sign a contract to fight in Ukraine.
As Russia seeks to replenish its forces in nearly four years of war — and avoid an unpopular nationwide mobilization — it's pulling out all the stops to find new troops to send into the battlefield.
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Men from South Asian countries, including India, Nepal and Bangladesh, complain of being duped into signing up to fight by recruiters promising jobs. Officials in Kenya, South Africa and Iraq say the same has happened to citizens from their countries.
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Read more: https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/russia-offers-cash-bonuses-frees-051857798.html