Ukraine says Russia plans to recruit 27 Yemeni citizens to fight in its war

On September 19, 2026, Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service announced that Russia plans to recruit at least 27 Yemeni citizens to fight in its war against Ukraine. The service stated that Russian military structures are processing these individuals, who are first granted legal status in Russia through a simplified procedure and then enlisted as contract soldiers. Among them are individuals born in 2006 and 2007. The recruitment is based on a decree by Russian President Vladimir Putin. This follows reports of other foreign nationals being recruited or deceived into fighting for Russia.