Russia trafficked citizens from 29 countries into Ukraine war: UN
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
Deceived by job promises, citizens from 29 countries, including Bangladesh, were forcibly deployed by the Russian military into the war against Ukraine.
United Nations confirmed the matter in an investigative report published on Monday. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine collected the information by verifying recruitment-related data of citizens from 48 countries and it was highlighted in the report published at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
The Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine said they gathered evidence indicating Russian authorities were involved in human trafficking with the assistance of international recruitment agents active across borders.
The report added that Russia committed war crimes and crimes against humanity through consecutive attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure. Evidence of fraudulent or coercive recruitment was found in the cases of citizens from 29 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Kenya, Nigeria, the Philippines, and Uzbekistan. All victims of trafficking and deception were men aged between 18 and 60 years.
In the case of Bangladeshis, the Commission of Inquiry gathered copies of several business visas used to enter Russia. Those visas mentioned invitations from a civilian organization in Russia.
Although the travel purpose was listed as civilian on official documents, recruitment for the Russian armed forces was secretly being conducted behind this façade. Job offers in professions such as security guards, drivers, construction workers, electricians, and cleaners were lured through social media and agencies.
However, upon arrival in Russia, phones and passports were confiscated from most of them, and they were forced to sign military contracts written in the Russian language. The wife of one Bangladeshi said, “After seizing his passport, my husband was simply told to sign in various places on a contract written in Russian. He was placed under severe pressure and had no other choice.”
A 27-year-old Bangladeshi, Rimel Mia, fought in the war as a Russian soldier. He is a resident of Sundarganj in Gaibandha. Borrowing money in hopes of a better job, he left the country for Russia in March 2025. He spent nearly Tk 6 lakh to secure a construction job in Russia.
Upon arriving there, after losing permanent employment and facing immigration-related complications, Rimel joined the Russian army. On 8 December 2025, while deployed on the frontline, he was captured by Ukrainian forces. Since that time, he has remained detained as a prisoner of war.
