Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Russia Recruits 1,500 African Soldiers for Ukraine War

2/16/2026

24 2 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

INPACT/All Eyes on Wagner, the investigation unit, accuses Russia of recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine.
INPACT/All Eyes on Wagner reports nearly 1,500 soldiers from 35 African countries have been enlisted.
Over 300 of these recruits have been killed in battle.
The organization says figures may be higher because Russia runs a fraudulent travel agency luring people with high-salary promises.

1 of 1

Story summary

INPACT/All Eyes on Wagner, the investigation unit, accuses Russia of recruiting Africans to fight in Ukraine.
INPACT/All Eyes on Wagner reports nearly 1,500 soldiers from 35 African countries have been enlisted.
Over 300 of these recruits have been killed in battle.
The organization says figures may be higher because Russia runs a fraudulent travel agency luring people with high-salary promises.