Britain has imposed 35 new sanctions targeting Russian networks accused of trafficking vulnerable people from Africa and the Middle East to fight on the front lines in Ukraine. The measures, announced on Tuesday, target groups that lure individuals from countries including Nigeria, Syria, and Yemen with false promises of work or education, only to send them into combat.
Recruitment Networks Targeted
The sanctions also hit entities involved in recruiting people from Africa and Asia to work in Russian drone factories, such as the Alabuga Start Programme. Among those sanctioned are individuals like Polina Azarnykh and Elena Smirnova for their roles in recruitment, as well as companies linked to the drone industry, including Chinese and Thai businesses.
Human Rights Concerns
The measures follow a report by the International Federation for Human Rights, which revealed that Russia has recruited at least 27,000 foreign fighters since 2022. Many of these recruits have suffered poor conditions, including lack of proper training, inadequate equipment, and high casualty rates. The UK government stated that these sanctions are part of broader efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine and to disrupt the networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans, targeting both individuals and companies. The UK Foreign Office emphasized that the trafficking of migrants for military purposes constitutes a serious violation of international law and human rights.
