At least 1,417 citizens from Africa joined the army of Russia to fight in the war in Ukraine, and more than 300 have died on the battlefield, according to a report released by the investigative group All Eyes on Wagner (AEOW) and cited by AFP.

The report lists 1,417 individuals from 35 African countries who enlisted in Russian forces between January 2023 and September 2025. The group confirmed that 316 of them were killed during combat operations in Ukraine.

AEOW compiled the data through the Ukrainian program “I Want to Live,” which tracks fallen Russian soldiers and encourages surrender among troops. The organization published the names of those recruited and those who died in the conflict.

Researchers warn that the real figures could be significantly higher. The report argues that recruiting African citizens represents a deliberate and organized strategy by Russia to address manpower shortages as the war in Ukraine continues.

Since the conflict began, thousands of foreign nationals have joined Russian ranks. Moscow has recruited fighters in countries with longstanding ties such as Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Cuba, as well as in nations with growing relationships, including Nepal, Sri Lanka, Iraq, and several states in Africa.

Meanwhile, Ukraine also counts thousands of foreign volunteers among its forces, fighting against the Russian offensive.