The military intelligence agency of Ukraine (HUR) has disclosed that Russia is gearing up to recruit thousands of international combatants in 2026, focusing its efforts on Central Asian nations and emerging countries throughout Asia and Africa. Analysts assert that this represents the most extensive foreign fighter initiative Russia has undertaken since the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. This approach reflects Russia's effective utilization of North Korean soldiers in the Kursk area, broadening the strategy to include new regions. Intelligence experts indicate that Russia is providing financial incentives, Russian citizenship, and family benefits to attract recruits, highlighting a long-term plan to sustain the war with external forces.
