Jordan is calling on Russia to immediately stop recruiting Jordanian nationals into its military forces after two Jordanians were confirmed to have died while fighting for Russia. The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm statement on Thursday, warning both Russian authorities and online networks allegedly involved in recruitment activities that Amman will take “all available measures” to protect its citizens.

Jordan Issues Strong Warning to Moscow

According to the ministry, Jordanian officials have become increasingly alarmed by reports that foreign recruiters—and in some cases Russia itself—have been pressuring or persuading Jordanians to sign military contracts. The practice, the ministry stressed, is illegal under Jordanian law and violates international legal standards. It also places Jordanian citizens at severe risk in active conflict zones.

Authorities did not release personal details about the two Jordanians who were killed or specify when and where they died. However, the announcement comes amid a broader pattern of Russia recruiting thousands of foreign fighters, primarily for its ongoing war in Ukraine.

Foreign Fighters in Russia’s War Effort

Ukraine’s military has repeatedly accused Moscow of relying heavily on foreign soldiers to reinforce its frontline positions. Brigadier General Dmytro Usov stated that Russia has enlisted at least 18,000 foreign fighters from 128 countries, with more than 3,300 confirmed fatalities among these recruits.

While Usov did not break down the nationalities, security analysts believe that a large portion of foreign personnel originate from North Korea, which reportedly deployed between 14,000 and 15,000 troops to assist Russia in 2024, according to Western intelligence cited by the Council on Foreign Relations.

African Recruits Also Targeted

Russia’s recruitment network has also expanded into Africa. Ukrainian officials estimate that at least 1,400 Africans from over 30 nations have been sent to fight for Moscow, often through tactics ranging from misleading promises to coercion.

Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, previously described Russian recruitment practices as dangerous and exploitative. He warned that signing a contract with the Russian military was effectively “a death sentence” for many foreigners.

According to Sybiha, foreign combatants are frequently assigned to so-called “meat assaults”—extremely high-risk operations where casualties are expected to be severe. He added that Russian commanders treat foreign fighters as expendable, knowing there is little international accountability for their deaths.

Jordan Moves to Protect Its Citizens

In its statement, Jordan emphasized that the recruitment of its nationals, whether inside the country or through online channels, must stop immediately. Officials said they will pursue diplomatic, legal, and protective actions to ensure that no more Jordanians are lured—or pressured—into joining Russia’s war efforts.

The ministry also urged Russia to terminate existing contracts involving any Jordanian citizens who have already been enlisted.

As global scrutiny intensifies over Moscow’s dependence on foreign fighters, Jordan’s public condemnation marks a significant diplomatic move, signaling rising international concern about how Russia sources soldiers for its ongoing military campaign.