Ukrainian intelligence says Russia is expanding recruitment in some of Africa’s poorest countries to offset Ukraine losses and manpower shortages

Bloomberg reported that a Ukrainian intelligence report says Russia is expanding military recruitment in some of Africa’s poorest countries to offset heavy losses and manpower shortages in Ukraine.

The report recorded 699 recruits in Burundi, up from 30 in 2025, and 530 in Zimbabwe, up from 65. It also reported increases in Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The expansion comes after several African governments warned about and objected to recruitment practices, including the use of false promises of civilian jobs.

Ukraine says it has identified 45,959 people from 151 countries who signed contracts to serve in the Russian military, including 5,451 Africans.