Russia is involving foreign citizens from various countries in combat operations as part of its war against Ukraine. It is reported that many of these individuals have little military experience and join the war mainly for financial reasons.
The editorial reports, citing BBC News, that Russia is estimated to have recruited around twenty thousand foreign fighters from the Middle East, Africa, and Global South countries. The investigation emphasizes that the majority of these individuals are not professional soldiers.
A BBC Eye investigation followed the fate of a young man named Khalil from Yemen. He joined the war to financially support his family but was captured in Ukraine and placed in a facility for military prisoners of war.
According to information, Khalil has not been included in prisoner exchanges and is currently being held in a forgotten state. The investigation raises serious questions about the legal status of foreign fighters and their use in war.