Ministry of Foreign Affairs Investigates Alleged Fraud and Exploitation of Indonesians Becoming Russian Soldiers

The agency claimed to have obtained documents confirming these recruitment activities.

SZRU also noted that this increase in foreign recruitment is due to a decline in Russian citizens willing to sign contracts with the Russian military.

Indonesia was listed among countries serving as sources of cheap labor for the war effort.

The eight WNI named were Yuda Putra Pratama (born 1997), Muhammad Syaripudin (born 1994), Erwanda (born 1988), and M Hadi Maulana (born 1987).

Also included were Wahyu Oktavian Iskandar (born 1985), Haryanto Dwi Kencana (born 1983), Helmi Nuraha Hakim (born 1983), and Ngangun Hudri Fadli (born 1978).

In the recruitment process, Russia reportedly promises high salaries, expedited Russian citizenship, social benefits, and assignments outside combat zones.