Russia Recruits Yemeni Mercenaries for Ukraine War

Russia has reportedly recruited hundreds of Yemeni men, particularly from the Houthi movement, to fight in Ukraine, luring them with promises of high salaries and Russian citizenship. Upon arrival, they were forcibly inducted into the Russian military, contrary to their expectations of working in a drone factory. This operation highlights the growing cooperation between Moscow and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, facilitated by a company linked to a prominent Houthi politician. U.S. Special Envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, confirmed that Russia is actively engaging with the Houthis for potential weapons transfers. Many recruits lack military training and were deceived by traffickers, with some reporting severe casualties among their ranks. This recruitment strategy reflects Russia's ongoing efforts to bolster its military manpower amid heavy losses in the Ukraine conflict.