# Russian region offers record $18,000 reward for recruiting foreigners to fight in Ukraine

https://mins.news/en/item/56354

- The Kyiv Independent, 2026-09-13 03:58 UTC
- World
- Original: https://kyivindependent.com/russian-region-offers-record-18-000-reward-for-recruiting-foreigners-to-fight-in-ukraine/

> Irkutsk Oblast has raised the reward for recruiting foreign nationals or stateless people to sign contracts with Russia’s Defense Ministry to 1.5 million rubles, about $17,800, reportedly the highest offered by a Russian region. The increase comes as evidence grows that Russia is relying on foreigners to replenish its forces in the war against Ukraine. Amnesty International said recruitment often involves deceptive, coercive and exploitative practices, amounting in many cases to human trafficking.

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