A United Nations commission of inquiry has found that Russia recruited men from at least 29 countries, including Bangladesh, through deceptive and coercive means, compelling many into military service and deploying them to front-line positions in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The findings were detailed in an advance report submitted to the UN General Assembly on October 19, 2026.

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine investigated recruitment practices spanning 48 countries. It identified a pattern of human trafficking involving vulnerable men aged 18 to 60, many from marginalized communities with limited income and education. These individuals were often enticed by offers of legitimate civilian jobs and facilitated by recruitment networks presenting themselves as lawful businesses, sometimes even claiming government affiliation. Once transported to Russia—using work or tourist visas arranged by these agents—the recruits were forced to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence and subsequently assigned to dangerous combat roles in Ukraine.

The report highlighted close coordination between Russian authorities and global recruitment agents. Many of the trafficked men have reportedly been killed, gone missing, surrendered, or been captured as prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces. The commission characterized the recruitment as trafficking that breaches international human rights law and recommended the discharge of all foreign nationals conscripted through such means who remain in Russian military service.

Russia has not acknowledged the commission's mandate and has declined to cooperate or respond to multiple requests for access and information. Russian officials have repeatedly rejected allegations of illegal recruitment.

Separately, Shariful Islam Hasan, Associate Director for Migration at the development organization BRAC, confirmed concerns over the recruitment of Bangladeshis, noting that many were initially attracted by promises of employment in Russia before being coerced into military service. Hasan urged the Bangladesh government to take immediate action to curb further recruitment and to determine the whereabouts of approximately 8,500 Bangladeshis who have legally traveled to Russia in the past two years.

In addition to these recruitment practices, the commission also concluded that Russia has committed war crimes and crimes against humanity linked to sustained attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure. The report underscores continuing violations amid the prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine.