Written question asked by Rushanara Ali (Labour) on Friday, 29 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 June 2026 (named day). It was answered by Stephen Doughty (Labour) on Monday, 8 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Russia: Armed Forces

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is her assessment of the scale of forced recruitment and human trafficking of foreign nationals to Russia to fight in the Russian Armed Forces in the war in Ukraine, and what action the United Kingdom is taking to work with other governments, including the government of Ukraine, and with United Nations agencies and anti-trafficking organisations to stop this practice.

Answer: Russia's recruitment of foreign nationals to fight in its illegal war against Ukraine is deeply concerning. The UK condemns any deception, coercion or trafficking linked to Russia's war effort and is working with partners to expose these practices, support accountability and disrupt those responsible. On 5 May, the UK announced sanctions targeting networks involved in trafficking vulnerable migrants to support Russia's war effort, including deceptive recruitment and exploitation. The UK calls for full compliance with international humanitarian law, including the humane treatment of prisoners of war and appropriate access and protection arrangements.

Secondary information