Indonesia is investigating Ukrainian intelligence claims that eight of its citizens were recruited into the Russian military for deployment in Ukraine, Arab News reported.
Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service alleged that the Indonesians were initially offered well-paid jobs away from combat, along with social benefits and a faster route to Russian citizenship.
According to the agency, they were subsequently enlisted in Russian forces.
Jakarta has not confirmed the allegations, saying that authorities must first identify the individuals, determine how they were recruited, what they were promised, and whether they ultimately joined the Russian military.
Indonesian law allows the government to revoke the citizenship of anyone who joins a foreign military without the president’s authorization.
Jakarta previously revoked the citizenship of two former members of the Indonesian security services who joined Russian mercenary units and fought in Ukraine.
Foreign Recruitment Under Scrutiny
As the war in Ukraine continues, reports have documented Moscow’s efforts to recruit foreign nationals with promises of civilian employment, education opportunities, residency, and accelerated citizenship.
A report by the Danish Institute for International Studies found that recruitment targets both people abroad through online campaigns and migrants already living in Russia.
Last month, Ukrainian intelligence highlighted the case of a Moldovan citizen who was killed in Ukraine less than two months after joining the Russian military.
After Russian authorities declared his stay illegal, he was placed in a migrant detention center and reportedly told to choose between deportation and signing a military contract.
These efforts come amid reports that Russia is struggling to maintain recruitment levels while sustaining heavy battlefield losses.
Enlistment reportedly fell by around 20 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025.
Estimates cited by the broadcaster suggest that Russian forces may be losing as many as 35,000 personnel each month through deaths and injuries.
