News|Russia-Ukraine warCaptured Tajik tells of life on Ukraine frontlines alongside Russian forcesRussia and Ukraine have swapped thousands of PoWs, but Mohammed* says he would rather fight alongside Kyiv than go home.
Names marked with an asterisk have been changed to protect identities.
Names marked with an asterisk have been changed to protect identities.
In 2024, Mohammed* traveled to St Petersburg, Russia, from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, seeking to increase his income through work in Russia, as many Central Asian migrants do annually. He initially entered Russia visa-free and paid 6,000 rubles ($74) monthly for a work permit. He shared accommodations with others while working at a food stall.
Following an oversight in paying for his work permit, Mohammed reported being detained by Russian police, where he faced mistreatment. He was compelled to join the Russian military and subsequently found himself fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces later captured him, and he is currently held as a prisoner of war (PoW).
International laws mandate humane treatment of PoWs, yet there have been accusations of mistreatment on both sides of the conflict. Mohammed reported experiencing anti-Muslim discrimination and inadequate military training during his service.
Names marked with an asterisk have been changed to protect identities.
Russia has faced allegations regarding the forcible conscription of Central Asian migrants into its military. Promises of substantial salaries, “safe” duties, and Russian citizenship have been reported. These practices align with broader strategies to supplement military manpower without enacting mass mobilization among Russian citizens.
Training conditions for recruits, including those from Central Asia, have been reported as substandard, with allegations of racial and religious discrimination. Moscow officially denies these practices but emphasizes the duty of economic migrants who have acquired Russian citizenship to serve.
Moscow has employed tactics involving small storm groups to infiltrate Ukrainian positions. Mohammed describes conditions of limited resources and inadequate equipment during these operations. Allegations of insufficient care for injured soldiers were also reported, highlighting operational challenges.
Mohammed expressed a wish to join the Ukrainian military to avoid returning to Russia, where he fears further discrimination. Ukrainian authorities are considering his request. Since 2022, several Russian PoWs have volunteered to fight for Ukraine, joining military units comprised of Russian nationals.
Mohammed's case underscores the complex dynamics faced by individuals caught in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, reflecting broader geopolitical tensions and humanitarian concerns.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.