Russia coerces Central Asians into military service amid ongoing conflict

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, recruitment efforts have intensified among Central Asians, particularly migrants and convicts. Reports have surfaced detailing various methods employed by the Russian government to enlist these individuals, ranging from coercion to enticing offers like debt forgiveness. Families of the recruited individuals have expressed concerns over their loved ones being pressured or tortured to sign contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry. A number of Central Asians have already joined Russian forces, with lists revealing over 2,000 Uzbek nationals and over 930 Tajiks involved in the conflict as of early 2025. In Kazakhstan, where the authorities have explicitly warned citizens about the legal ramifications of joining foreign armed forces, some individuals have been coerced into service under threats of legal action. The case of Kamilla, who spoke of her twin brother, Almas Nysanbaev, illustrates the depths of this coercion, with reports of beatings and torture occurring within Russian detention facilities. Families are left with grim choices, often facing the stigma of mercenary charges if they participate. As various rights groups and local media continue to cover the plight of these recruits, the situation remains critical. Reports indicate that Central Asians make up a significant portion of foreign fighters aligned with the Russian military; for instance, in just the first half of 2025, 529 Kazakh nationals and 327 Kyrgyz citizens signed contracts, and an investigative project identified nearly 360 Kyrgyz contractors in the Russian Army over 2023 and 2024. This aggressive recruitment process has led to dissatisfaction among families and local communities in Central Asia, as many worry about the implications for those abroad and the social ramifications of their involvement in a contentious war. Additionally, the plight of these recruits raises questions about the treatment of migrants and convicts within Russia and the broader geopolitical context of the war. With Central Asian countries cautioning their citizens against joining the conflict, the distinction between voluntary participation and coercion becomes increasingly blurred, prompting a serious examination of labor rights and human trafficking concerns. The intersection of military recruitment and issues of dignity for migrants underlines a complex situation for Central Asians caught in the crosshairs of conflict and exploitation.