The Ukrainian project "I Want to Live" found that, as of October 1, 2026, more than 20,400 citizens of Central Asian countries had signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces to fight in the war against Ukraine, Gazeta.uz reported.
Among the countries in the region, Uzbekistan accounts for the largest share—8,200 (40% of the total). Tajikistan follows with 5,308 citizens (26%), Kazakhstan with 3,819 (19%), Kyrgyzstan with 2,219 (11%), and Turkmenistan with 884 (4%). Central Asians account for 44% of all foreign contract soldiers in the Russian army, with recruitment dynamics showing annual growth. The main reasons cited for joining the Russian Armed Forces include obtaining a Russian passport (32%), release from prison (20%), and financial compensation.
These statistics reflect the profound vulnerability of Central Asian labor migrants to economic and administrative pressure in the Russian Federation. The use of legal leverage, including threats of deportation and promises of simplified citizenship, has turned the migrant community into a key source of recruits for the military.
This trend creates significant social and legal risks for all states in the region. Legislation in Central Asian countries provides for severe criminal penalties for mercenarism and participation in foreign military conflicts. The massive involvement of citizens in military operations complicates the diplomatic balance for Bishkek, Tashkent, and Astana, increases social tensions after their return home, and necessitates urgent diversification of foreign labor markets for governments.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
October 21, 2026