Jordan Demands Russia Halt Recruitment of Citizens Following Fatalities

On November 27, 2025, Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal request for Russia to cease the recruitment of its citizens for military service, following the deaths of two Jordanians who had been fighting for Moscow. The ministry characterized this recruitment as a violation of both Jordanian and international law, emphasizing the serious dangers it poses to its citizens.

The Jordanian government has expressed its commitment to taking "all available measures" to prevent Russian authorities and external entities from recruiting its citizens. Fuad Al-Majali, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the need for citizens to report any recruitment attempts and warned against engaging with such offers due to the life-threatening risks involved. The ministry's statement underscored that the recruitment activities are illegal and endanger the lives of Jordanian citizens.

Al Jazeera (website)

The recruitment of foreign fighters by Russia has been a longstanding issue, particularly during its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Reports indicate that Russia has recruited thousands of foreign fighters from various countries, including North Korea and several African nations. Ukrainian officials have noted that many of these recruits face dire consequences, with claims that they are often treated as expendable by Russian military command. Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha previously stated that signing a contract with the Russian military is akin to signing a "death sentence."

Al Jazeera (website)The Straits Times

Critics of Russia's recruitment practices argue that the methods employed to enlist foreign fighters often involve deception and coercion. The Ukrainian government has been vocal about the dangers faced by foreign recruits, asserting that they are frequently sent into high-risk combat situations with little regard for their safety. This perspective has been echoed by various international observers who view the recruitment as a violation of human rights.

Al Jazeera (website)

While Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the deaths of two citizens, details surrounding the circumstances of their deaths remain unclear. The ministry has not disclosed specific information regarding when or where these fatalities occurred, nor has it provided further identifying details about the individuals involved.

Jordan's government is expected to continue monitoring the situation closely and may take further diplomatic actions to address the recruitment of its citizens by foreign entities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious recruitment activities.

• “In a statement, the foreign ministry called the recruitment “a violation of Jordanian law and international law” that “exposes citizens to serious danger”.” — Fuad Al-Majali, Spokesperson, Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Straits Times

• “Foreign citizens in the Russian army have a sad fate. Most of them are immediately sent to the so-called ‘meat assaults,’ where they are quickly killed,” — Andrii Sybiha, Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Al Jazeera (website)