Until now, foreign nationals could only join the Russian military during states of emergency or martial law. Putin’s new decree extends this privilege to periods of official mobilisation, reflecting Moscow’s efforts to replenish troops amid heavy losses in Ukraine.

The decree also permits qualified foreign specialists, even beyond standard age limits, to join elite security institutions such as the Federal Security Service (FSB) and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).

Russia’s partial mobilisation decree from September 2022 remains in effect and has driven hundreds of thousands to flee the country. By expanding enlistment opportunities to non-citizens, the Kremlin aims to ease pressure on domestic manpower reserves while maintaining its offensive operations.

Foreign Fighters and Financial Incentives

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Russia recruited more than 1,500 foreign nationals between April 2023 and May 2024. Most came from South and East Asia (771), followed by former Soviet republics (523) and African nations (72).

The primary motivators are financial incentives and the promise of fast-tracked Russian citizenship. Moscow is reportedly using higher signing bonuses and accessible international hubs to lure foreign enlistees. Intelligence analysts say these efforts are likely to continue over the medium term, though they are unlikely to significantly change battlefield dynamics.

Ukraine’s General Staff reports over 1 million Russian casualties since the war began in February 2022, averaging 1,000 per day. Russia’s reliance on foreign recruits underscores both the scale of its losses and the political risks of new domestic call-ups.