Russia Launches Active Mercenary Recruitment in Iran
▫️In several Iranian cities, leaflets have appeared offering people to join the russian military for money: $20,000 “sign-on bonus” and about $2,000 per month. The ads link to a Telegram channel created in November 2025, where recruitment is conducted in multiple languages. A recruiter interviewed by journalists directly stated that the campaign is coordinated by the russian side on Iranian territory.
▫️Despite attempts by the russian embassy in Iran to deny involvement, this is a typical element of russia’s systematic recruitment network, which for many years has sought mercenaries in poor and crisis-stricken countries. Iran is particularly vulnerable due to its economic situation, high unemployment, and large numbers of Afghan refugees, who are often targeted by such schemes.
Recruitment in Iran is not an isolated incident but part of a broader russian strategy to compensate for massive losses and prepare for new offensive actions. Intelligence estimates indicate that russia has already recruited at least 18,000 foreigners from 128 countries, often through deception, coercion, or financial exploitation.
The Center previously reported that russia has built a transnational network of recruitment centers, front organizations, and diplomatic channels to involve foreigners in the war against Ukraine. Our infographic highlights the 10 countries with the largest number of recruited citizens.
