What's happened
Recent investigations reveal Bangladeshi migrant workers in Russia were deceived with false promises of civilian jobs, only to be coerced into combat roles in Ukraine. Many faced threats, violence, and imprisonment, with some escaping after months of forced service. The story highlights migrant risks amid regional conflicts. Today’s date: Tue, 03 Feb 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The revelations expose a disturbing pattern of exploitation targeting vulnerable migrant workers from Bangladesh and other South Asian countries. The Russian recruitment practices, often involving false promises and coercion, serve Russia's strategic need to replenish forces without broad mobilization. The use of foreign recruits, many deceived into signing military contracts, underscores Russia's reliance on clandestine manpower sources. This situation highlights the risks faced by migrant workers, who are often unaware of the true nature of their employment. The lack of response from Russian and Bangladeshi authorities suggests a tacit acceptance or inability to address these abuses. Moving forward, international scrutiny and migrant protections will be crucial to prevent further exploitation and to hold accountable those responsible for coercion and deception in conflict zones.
What the papers say
The AP investigation, as reported by The Independent, Al Jazeera, and Arab News, provides detailed accounts of Bangladeshi workers' experiences, including testimonies of coercion, threats, and violence. The articles highlight the broader context of Russia's recruitment strategies, which include enticing workers with false promises of civilian employment, only to force them into combat roles. The Russian government has not responded to inquiries, and official figures on foreign fighters remain limited, emphasizing the clandestine nature of these operations. The coverage underscores the human cost of Russia's ongoing conflict and the exploitation of migrant labor, with reports of hundreds of Bangladeshis and other nationals being deceived and forced into fighting in Ukraine.
How we got here
The story stems from widespread migrant labor in Bangladesh, where poverty and job scarcity drive families to seek work abroad. Many workers, including Rahman, were recruited through brokers promising lucrative jobs in Russia. However, some were deceived into signing military contracts and forced into fighting in Ukraine, amid Russia's ongoing conflict since 2022. Reports of coercion, threats, and violence against migrant workers have emerged, with investigations uncovering a pattern of deception and forced conscription.
Go deeper
Common question
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How Were Bangladeshi Workers Deceived into Fighting in Ukraine?
Recent investigations reveal a troubling pattern where Bangladeshi migrant workers were misled and coerced into fighting in Ukraine. Many believed they were taking civilian jobs abroad, only to find themselves caught in a conflict they didn't understand. This raises important questions about migrant labor rights, exploitation, and what can be done to prevent such abuses in the future. Below, we explore the details of this case and what it means for migrant workers worldwide.
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Why Is the US Sending Military Ships to the Middle East?
Recent tensions in the Middle East have led the US to deploy military ships like the USS Abraham Lincoln. Many wonder why the US is increasing its military presence in this volatile region. Is it a sign of impending conflict or a show of strength? Below, we explore the reasons behind these moves and what they mean for regional stability.
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Are Migrant Workers Being Forced to Fight in Ukraine?
Recent reports reveal troubling stories of migrant workers, especially from Bangladesh, being deceived and coerced into fighting in Ukraine. Many were promised civilian jobs but ended up in combat roles, facing threats, violence, and imprisonment. This raises urgent questions about the safety of migrant workers in conflict zones and what can be done to protect them. Below, we explore the key issues surrounding this hidden crisis and what it means for migrant laborers worldwide.
More on these topics
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Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia, which borders it to the east and northeast.
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Russia, or the Russian Federation, is a transcontinental country located in Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Covering an area of 17,125,200 square kilometres, it is the largest country in the world by area, spanning more than one-eighth of the Earth's in
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A migrant worker is a person who either migrates within their home country or outside it to pursue work. Migrant workers usually do not have the intention to stay permanently in the country or region in which they work.
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