Policy Discourse

Russia’s Military Necessity and the Conscription of African Prisoners in the Russia-Ukraine War: Policy Options for the African Union (AU) Quote: “Choose for yourself. Either private military corporations and prisoners or your children.”

Background:

As Russia came to terms with the challenge associated with the lack of combat infantry personnel in its war with Ukraine, the resort to conscription of prisoners became a viable option. It was reported that between 7,000 to 10,000 convicts had been sent to fight in Ukraine on behalf of the Russian Federation. In a report that was released, it was revealed that out of the 500 prisoners sent to Ukraine, only two are alive. Unfortunately, despite evidence that many of the prisoners sent to Ukraine are foreign nationals, there has not been any document that shows their nationalities.

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