Finding Fighters Abroad: Russia’s Foreign Recruitment Strategies

Russia's strategies for recruiting foreign fighters are likely still operated by provincial governments instead of being centrally run by the Kremlin. This decentralized approach is motivated by cost concerns and the desire to shift burdens away from the central government, though Kremlin coordination has likely increased. Many of these efforts have been deceptive, tricking foreigners with false job offers that are actually for military service. The distinction between provincially-led versus Kremlin-first recruitment schemes serves as an indicator of the operational difficulties Russia is facing during the war.