Putin Signs Law Allowing Foreigners to Serve in Russian Army

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree and law in July 2025 permitting foreigners and even stateless persons to serve in the Russian military during periods of mobilization, expanding recruitment beyond previous restrictions that limited such service to states of emergency or martial law. This legislative change aims to strengthen Moscow's military recruitment amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine, allowing foreign nationals to sign contracts with the armed forces as well as intelligence and security agencies like the SVR and FSB. The Kremlin has increasingly relied on financial incentives and promises of Russian citizenship to attract volunteers, with over 1,500 foreign recruits reported between April 2023 and May 2024 mainly from South and East Asia, former Soviet republics, and Africa. Ukrainian officials have highlighted concerns that this policy facilitates the recruitment of cheaper North Korean volunteers, with intelligence suggesting thousands of North Korean troops have already fought alongside Russian forces and more may be sent. The move reflects Moscow's effort to replenish troops without triggering additional unpopular conscription waves, as it continues large-scale call-ups, including the largest since 2010. This development raises alarms about the potential escalation of military threats in the region, emphasizing the importance of defensive and economic measures against Russia and its allies.