Central Asian Migrants Coerced Into Russia’s War in Ukraine

Citizens of Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, are increasingly being coerced into joining Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, according to a recent statement from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency. Many of those affected are labor migrants who originally traveled to Russia for work but were later pressured or misled into signing military contracts. Reports suggest that Russian army representatives have been enticing migrants with promises of fast money through short-term enlistment. In practice, however, many of these so-called “volunteers” are deployed to the most dangerous front-line positions. Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence claims most do not survive. Among the recently reported casualties were nationals from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan who had enlisted earlier this year. Ukraine's warning also highlights the legal risks facing survivors. Returning home after fighting in a foreign conflict can expose them to criminal charges and potentially long prison sentences under national laws that prohibit participation in overseas military operations. Russian officials have also acknowledged the recruitment of migrants. Alexander Bastrykin, head of Russia’s Investigative Committee, stated during a legal forum in St. Petersburg that his office had identified around 80,000 individuals who received Russian citizenship but then attempted to evade military service. Of those, approximately 20,000 are currently serving on the front lines in Ukraine, according to Bastrykin. As of September 2024, Russia hosted nearly four million citizens from Central Asia. Uzbekistan accounted for the largest share with an estimated 1.79 million migrants, followed by Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. While some migrants sign military contracts out of economic desperation, others reportedly face coercion, threatened with the loss of citizenship or imprisonment for avoiding conscription. The practice of deploying foreign labor migrants to the battlefield has caused mounting concern across Central Asia. Families fear for the fate of relatives drawn into a distant and escalating conflict, often without clear legal protection or state support.

Kyrgyzstan Ramps Up Defense Spending and Salaries for Security Forces

Kyrgyzstan will increase salaries for security officers by 35% starting July 1, with further raises planned for contract military personnel from November 1. President Sadyr Japarov made the announcement during a military parade in Bishkek commemorating the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Speaking at the event, Japarov emphasized the government’s commitment to modernizing the country’s armed forces and security agencies. “The budget for our armed forces and other military formations has been increased by more than 400% compared to 2020,” he said. “Military personnel are being equipped with modern weapons, the infrastructure of military towns and garrisons is being developed, and a decent level of material and technical support is being provided.” Japarov described these efforts not merely as financial support but as recognition of the “selfless work and sleepless nights on the border with the enemy to protect the people.” The president also noted that Kyrgyzstan has successfully established borders with all neighboring countries, a milestone he attributed to the dedication and professionalism of the armed forces and border guards. Kyrgyzstan’s renewed focus on defense comes in the context of heightened regional security concerns, particularly following recent armed clashes with neighboring Tajikistan. In response, the government has ramped up investments in military modernization, including the procurement of drones, anti-aircraft missile systems, and heavy equipment. Over the past year alone, 90% of the military’s vehicle fleet has been upgraded.