Irrespective of disclaimers issued by the Russian embassy in Iran regarding their participation, these actions bear all the hallmarks of a structured and longstanding operation.
Flag of Iran / © Reuters
Leaflets distributed widely across multiple Iranian cities have been offering individuals the chance to enlist in the Russian military for $20,000 in “joining bonuses” and roughly $2,000 in monthly salary.
This information originates from the Center for Combating Disinformation, a division of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
The advertisements include links to a Telegram channel, created back in November 2025, that manages the enlistment process in several languages. Investigative journalists have determined that recruiters openly assert that the campaign is directly coordinated with the Russian side, within Iranian territory.
The center indicated that regardless of denials from the Russian embassy in Iran, these endeavors exhibit all indications of a methodical and well-established program.
“Despite the Russian Embassy in Iran’s efforts to disavow any connection, this represents a typical component of the Russian Federation’s organized recruitment network, which has been seeking out mercenaries in economically disadvantaged and crisis-stricken nations for an extended period,” highlighted the Center for Countering Disinformation.
They further observed that Iran stands as one of the more susceptible locations for such undertakings, owing to its challenging economic climate, elevated unemployment levels, and substantial population of Afghan refugees, who frequently become targets for financial exploitation.
The Central Military Commission underscored that recruitment activities in Iran are not an isolated case, but rather an element of a wider-ranging Russian strategy geared toward offsetting substantial losses and setting the stage for future offensive endeavors.
According to intelligence assessments, Russia has already enlisted a minimum of 18,000 foreign nationals from 128 countries worldwide, frequently employing tactics such as deception, coercion, or monetary inducement.
Previously, it was reported that Kenya stated that upwards of 200 of its citizens are engaged in combat alongside Russia in the conflict against Ukraine, and recruitment organizations remain actively engaged in enlisting additional Kenyans into the Russian armed forces.
It was previously indicated that the government of the Republic of South Africa has initiated an inquiry into the conditions surrounding the involvement of 17 of its nationals in hostilities in Donbas under the pretense of highly compensated employment opportunities.