‘Sent to be killed’: How Russia forces migrants to fight in Ukraine
Al Jazeera·2h ago·Fear
What Happened
Russia is forcing tens of thousands of Central Asian labour migrants to fight in Ukraine through coercion, according to human rights groups and Ukrainian organisations. Migrants are arrested on dubious charges, threatened with deportation, rape, and imprisonment unless they "volunteer." Those recruited face harsh conditions with life expectancy of four months on the front lines. The campaign began in 2023 targeting migrants from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Key Entities
RussiaUkraineCentral AsiaTajikistanUzbekistanKyrgyzstanHushruzjon SalohidinovVladimir PutinKresty-2 detention centreHochu Jit