1 in 10 POWs From Russia's Army Are Not Russian Citizens, 'I Want to Live' Data Shows

Non-Russian nationals now make up 10% of prisoners of war held by Ukraine, according to new data published by "I Want to Live," the Ukrainian government-run hotline that processes surrender requests from Russia's army servicemen. The project says foreign POWs now come from 55 countries, showing growth as compared to 40 countries and a 7% share as of its last count, published December 31.

A Steep Climb

A chart accompanying the new data traces the foreign share of that year's newly captured POWs since the invasion began: 0.1% in 2022, 0.5% in 2023, 1.3% in 2024, 4.8% in 2025, and 10% so far in 2026. The project says it has identified almost 29,000 foreign nationals by name who have signed contracts with Russia's armed forces since 2022, and that Russia's defense ministry had planned to recruit another 18,500 foreigners in 2026 alone. According to the project, Moscow targets the most economically vulnerable recruits first, those easiest to lure with promises of high pay and a better life, then sends them into assault operations and the most dangerous sectors of the front.

Paused in 39 Countries, Expanding in Others

After diplomatic pressure, public scandals, and pushback from foreign governments, Russia has paused recruitment efforts in 39 countries, according to the project, including China, India, Egypt, Kenya, Pakistan, Ghana, and other countries across Africa and Asia. But the project says Moscow simply redirected its recruitment toward South America, Central Asia, and other parts of Africa instead - a shift it says shows up not only in its own recruitment data but in the number and geography of foreign POWs.

More Foreign Captives in Nine Months Than All of Last Year

More foreigners were taken prisoner by Ukraine in the first nine months of 2026 than in all of 2025 combined, the project says. Among the new POWs are citizens of Argentina, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Honduras, Vietnam, and Mongolia, alongside nationals of many other countries. 

See also: Profiles of foreign prisoners of war who surrendered to Ukrainian forces.

A Safe Way Out

Foreign nationals coerced or misled into Russia's armed forces can leave the battlefield safely with the "I Want to Live" project - a reliable way to avoid becoming KIA in Russia's army.