The Russian Trap

On a foggy morning in the Ukrainian city of Donetsk, as the June sun faded from view, Ukrainian shelling targeted a Russian reconnaissance unit that included a young Egyptian named Saeed Ramadan. Saeed had enlisted voluntarily in the Russian army under a contract system, a development arising from amendments made by Russian President Putin to the military service system one month after the onset of the war in Ukraine.

Saeed, along with five other soldiers in his unit, struggled to cope with the overwhelming sounds of artillery fire, opting instead to camouflage themselves among the dark green foliage of the forest as they concealed their presence in their military attire.

As the shelling intensified and drew nearer to their position, the commanding officer shouted "вперед," meaning "forward" in Russian. The soldiers hesitated to flee, finding refuge in a trench 400 meters away, shielding themselves from the drones that patrolled the forest surrounding the city of Donetsk— a region that has witnessed sporadic clashes between Russian and Ukrainian forces since the Russian military’s incursion in February 2022.

This investigative report seeks to elucidate how Saeed and other young Egyptians became involved with Russian military forces in the conflict in Ukraine, examining the underlying motivations, the recruitment processes, and the transition from isolated incidents among Arab students in Russia to a widespread phenomenon affecting Egyptian youth. This includes both those currently studying in Russia and those aspiring to migrate from rural areas in Egyptian governorates.

Our findings reveal a network facilitating the recruitment of Arab youth, particularly Egyptians, through intermediaries and brokers who exploit the various crises that challenge these young individuals. This network encourages them to engage in combat on the front lines, contributing to higher casualty rates among inexperienced recruits and exacerbating the ongoing violence in the Russian-Ukrainian war as it nears the third anniversary of its commencement.

The safety of Saeed and his colleagues within the trench was compromised when a drone strike targeted their location, resulting in the deaths of three Russian soldiers and injuring Saeed, with a Syrian counterpart being the only survivor unscathed.

The surviving soldiers, Saeed and his Syrian colleague, faced communication challenges when the explosion damaged their radio, which was their sole link to their battalion. Their commanders presumed them dead after contact was lost, forcing the two soldiers to remain in the trench for two days, their food supplies dwindling, until they ultimately confronted the grim reality of impending death.

As Saeed reflects on his journey, memories of his aspirations to travel to Russia surface, alongside the belief that his life would fundamentally change upon relocating to a country recognized for its vast landmass spanning Europe and Asia.

In late summer 2021, the 18-year-old Saeed arrived in Russia to enroll at Kaliningrad University, located in a Russian province perched in the heart of Europe. Leaving behind his family in Alexandria Governorate, where he was raised, he undertook what those close to him deemed a "bold" step for a student fresh out of high school, having achieved a score of 80%. His decision, albeit met with familial reservations, was bolstered by encouragement from several acquaintances who also pursued similar opportunities.

During his first year in Russia, Saeed faced significant challenges in mastering the language, yet he persisted through his second year at the university, all while nurturing the hope of reuniting his family in Russia after securing citizenship—a venture that carried substantial risks.

Saeed reflects with a hint of sarcasm on his earlier consideration of joining the Russian forces in Ukraine, viewing it as a potential shortcut and a means to secure his aspirations for a stable life in Europe. The fact that one of his peers—a fellow student of Arab descent—had enlisted in the Russian military further solidified his inclination to volunteer.

The young Egyptian, Saeed, along with his Syrian colleague in the reconnaissance unit and combat battalion, was among 100,000 young men contracted by the Russian Ministry of Defense in the first four months of 2024. This group included thousands of youths from various Arab nationalities—Egyptians, Syrians, Iraqis, Moroccans, and others—most of whom lacked prior military experience. Data from the Russian Ministry of Defense indicated that since the amendments to the Military Service Law were approved in March 2022, the total number of contractors had reached 420,000 by April 2024. The reconnaissance group comprising Saeed, his Syrian colleague, and three Russian soldiers was assigned to penetrate areas of engagement to locate Ukrainian forces. Each soldier was equipped with a weapon, spare ammunition, a water bottle, and sufficient provisions to last three days.

The military mission assigned to Saeed's group commenced two months after he enlisted in the Russian army. During this period, he spent one month in a training camp and the subsequent month alongside the soldiers of his battalion, which was based in Donetsk following the Russian forces' takeover of certain regions in Ukraine.

At the time Saeed signed a contract with the military, discussions about volunteering for service in conflict zones were prevalent among Arab and Egyptian students attending universities in Russia. Virtual platforms—closed groups and public pages—were filled with inquiries about the volunteering process, its advantages, and associated risks. This online discourse manifested in real-life interactions, as Muhammad Abdul Shahid remarked: “In your network as an Arab or Egyptian in Russia, you will find at least one person who has volunteered for the army.” Videos circulated on social media showcased young Egyptians and Syrians donning official Russian military uniforms, with notable footage from January 2024 featuring Arab students who volunteered to fight alongside the army, sparking significant debate at the time.

A Real International Army: Fighters from Niger, Egypt, and Syria Collaborating with Russia

Under this title, the Russian RT Agency published a report in January 2024, accompanied by photographs, detailing the involvement of Arab and Egyptian fighters within the ranks of the Russian military in its conflict in Ukraine.

The report, released in English, noted that one of the "international battalions" is currently operating under the Skif Company, which is stationed near Soledar. The Russian agency stated, "Soldiers from Niger, Egypt, Syria, and Moldova serve here. They studied in Russia and developed such a strong affinity for the country that they chose to defend it."

Saeed's journey to study at a university in Russia mirrors his decision to volunteer for military service; both were facilitated through an intermediary from whom he received a commission, albeit with differing payment methods. In the former case, he paid the commission upfront from his own funds, while in the latter, the commission was deducted from the financial compensation outlined in his military contract.

Polina

The nationality of the mediator also varied. During his academic pursuit, the intermediary was an Egyptian student at a Russian university; conversely, the individual who processed his military contract was a Russian businesswoman named Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, who is well-known among Arab and international student circles in Russia for assisting foreigners with their contracts, particularly those not residing in Russia.

Saeed contacted Polina through an Egyptian student in Russia, who coordinated with her, provided him with her phone number, and added him to a private group on the Telegram application. He was advised to review the group's content before reaching out to her, with the suggestion, "When you see the lists of new members and their inquiries, you will understand more." This group includes invitations for travel to Egypt and lists of Egyptians residing in Russia.

The Telegram channel managed by the Russian businesswoman indicates that the majority of its members or subscribers are located outside of Russia, as suggested by their visible phone numbers, some of which are accessible to other channel subscribers, while others opt to conceal their numbers as a privacy feature offered by the Russian-originated application. The inclusion of foreigners from outside Russia is deemed illegal under Russian conscription law, unlike those present within Russia, who can approach recruitment offices located throughout various Russian cities and regions to enlist as volunteers following amendments to the law that facilitate their participation.

Volunteers who want to join the Russian forces go through several stages. First, they undergo a month and a half of intensive military training at the training center. Nour El-Sayed, one of the first Egyptians to volunteer in the Russian army, completed his one-year conscription period without wanting to renew it.

Nour, a young Egyptian who traveled to Russia to study, had no military background or experience with weapons. However, he received training on handling and using different weapons, participated in field training and engagement simulations, and received special training in the weapon he served with. After this, he was assigned to one of the battalions within the military operations area. Nour was granted leave after six months of service, which lasted for 15 days.

Due to Nour's limited knowledge of the Russian language, the training center provided a translator from Russian to Arabic and vice versa to facilitate communication and the implementation of orders, as many volunteers in his group were not fluent in Russian.

The training that foreign volunteers undergo to join the Russian army varies depending on the unit each soldier joins. According to Oleg Ignatov, a senior analyst for Russian affairs at the International Crisis Group, these foreigners are not a decisive factor in military operations, but they are part of Russia's current recruitment efforts, which rely on volunteering rather than compulsory mobilization.

However, the training provided to foreign volunteers was found to be insufficient to qualify them to fight battles in the operational areas, according to one field commander. In a video clip circulating on Telegram channels of Russian soldiers' families, the commander described this type of soldier as "stupid and backward," attributing their slow learning and response to factors such as language difficulties. The video was circulated on Egyptian groups in Russia and some social media sites, and no Russian party has issued any denial or comment on its content.

Communication is particularly challenging for foreign volunteers who have never lived, worked, or studied in Russia, as explained by Nour. Some of his batchmates had been in Russia for only a few days. These volunteers typically arrive in Moscow on tourist, work, or study visas and complete their army enlistment procedures through intermediaries and brokers, as explained by Russian Polina Alexandrovna through the Telegram channel. She has assistants of Arab nationalities in Egyptian and Arab groups in Russia who help Egyptians and Arabs volunteer in the army. The last two Egyptian volunteers from outside Russia arrived in Moscow on Friday, September 13, as announced by the Russian woman on the Telegram group, confirming that they would sign a contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense.

"Friend of Russia" is the Telegram channel established by the Russian national Polina Alexandrovna. The channel features a profile picture of Russian President Putin and is described as "a channel to support the Russian Federation Army in the military operations zone." In its description, the provided link allows subscribers to invite others interested in traveling to Russia to volunteer for military service. Our access to the group was facilitated by one of its members, who intended to enlist and travel to Russia to join the Russian army to acquire Russian citizenship. However, he retracted his decision upon learning that many of his predecessors who volunteered had been killed, a fact relayed through the same intermediary.

Polina Alexandrovna restricts access to the channel's content, making use of the privacy, encryption, and security features offered by the Russian Telegram application. Subscribers are unable to download photos or videos, copy published content, or take screenshots without employing external methods.

The subscriber count for the "Friend of Russia" channel fluctuates, monitored over a 30-day period, with a peak of 1,144 subscribers from Arab and African nationalities. The channel's content includes motivational messages aimed at potential volunteers, showcases the advantages and experiences of volunteers in combat zones, and provides updates about new enlistees, particularly listing dozens of Egyptian nationals approved to serve in the Russian army.

According to information available on one of her Facebook accounts, Alexandrovna resides in Voronezh, located in southwestern Russia. Her connections with Arab and Egyptian individuals extend beyond mere facilitation of military enlistment; she previously engaged in assisting Egyptian, Arab, and African students in securing travel arrangements to study in Russia through her own company, as corroborated by testimonies from several Egyptians in Russia, including individuals such as Mohamed Hassan, Mahmoud Saeed, and Abdel Rahman Sayed, who traveled to study through her services years ago.

Furthermore, her relationship with Arabs and other foreigners in Russia encompasses a personal dimension, having married an Iraqi man ten years ago who came to Russia for studies, resulting in the birth of her only child before their separation years later, which ultimately led to her ex-husband's deportation to Iraq.

We have monitored Polina’s professional history, her companies, and her private Telegram group, which serves as a platform connecting her with numerous young individuals seeking volunteer opportunities, including many young Egyptians.

* Polina operates her business remotely, lacking a physical office or in-person meetings.

* She communicates with youth via her dedicated Telegram group.

* Contracts are sent electronically.

* She offers prospects of a transformative journey, substantial financial rewards, permanent residency, and Russian citizenship.

Data from the Unified Register of Legal Entities (USRLE), a governmental information resource for financial reporting, indicates that Polina Alexandrovna, a woman of modest origins, previously operated small businesses in the education and tourism sectors. She served as the general manager of OOO RASHEN TURS, a travel agency that commenced operations on March 15, 2023. However, the company was dissolved less than a year later, specifically on April 5, 2024, due to its classification as an unreliable entity.

Prior to OOO RASHEN TURS, Polina founded LLC INTEREDU on March 26, 2021, which focused on providing educational services such as organizing training courses and offering educational consulting, as well as facilitating travel visas for students intending to study in Russia. This company specifically targeted Arab students, particularly those from Egypt.

LLC INTEREDU was also liquidated on November 18, 2022, just over a year and a half after its inception.

Both OOO RASHEN TURS and LLC INTEREDU were dissolved shortly after their establishment and subsequently removed from the state register of legal entities due to the submission of inaccurate information. Such actions are typically initiated when authorities determine that a company has presented incorrect or misleading data, suggesting potential concerns regarding the legitimacy of its operations.

Despite these setbacks, Polina has emerged as a prominent intermediary between young Arabs and the Ministry of Defense, with her activities extending beyond mere facilitation. She organizes contracts for clients at a fee of 300,000 rubles (approximately $4,000), primarily targeting individuals from abroad, and reserves the right to utilize their images in military uniforms for promotional purposes, as exemplified in her dealings with Saeed.

The 39-year-old entrepreneur operates her business discreetly, often communicating with potential clients through electronic contracts that promise transformative journeys, substantial financial rewards, permanent residency, and Russian citizenship. Beneath this façade lies a network designed to recruit Arabs and foreigners to participate on the front lines of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine that has persisted since February 2022.

Returning to the battalion is a more viable option than awaiting fate

Despite suffering injuries from shrapnel caused by artillery fire targeting the trench where his reconnaissance team sought refuge from Ukrainian drone attacks, Saeed Ramadan, a young Egyptian man, waited for two days without assistance or any information regarding the fate of his team members. He attempted to persuade his Syrian colleague of the necessity to mobilize and rely on their own initiative to return to the battalion instead of succumbing to despair. However, his colleague resisted this notion, fearing the risks posed by drone strikes. Consequently, Saeed resolved to venture out in search of signals or indications that could guide him back to his battalion, while his colleague chose to remain, adhering to the emergency protocol outlined by their battalion leaders.

On August 4, 2024, the Ukrainian Combat Operations Center in the besieged Kharkiv Oblast reported an increase in the presence of foreigners at the front lines engaged in military operations. The report highlighted the involvement of Egyptians in hostile activities. Over the past two years, Ukrainian authorities have noted a rising number of foreign nationals serving within Russian forces on Ukrainian territory, as elucidated by Ukrainian MP Inna Sovson. She indicated that monitoring reports identified the presence of Egyptians among what she termed "occupying forces." 

According to Rami Abu Shamsya, a member of the Ukrainian Patriot Party, the recruitment of Egyptian students, who initially sought educational opportunities in Russia, into warfare is a violation of international norms and laws. He characterized these individuals as "mercenaries." Oleg Ignatov, a senior analyst for Russian affairs at the International Crisis Group, stressed that international law may not recognize these soldiers as prisoners of war or combatants, leaving them vulnerable to prosecution for "mercenary activities." The primary motivation for these foreign volunteers to enlist in the Russian army often revolves around financial gain and the prospect of acquiring citizenship through expedited processes. Upon signing the contract, both the foreign recruits and their family members become eligible for citizenship.

The contract that young people sign to join the army

A personal account of volunteering in the Russian army from abroad:

In light of the information gathered from volunteers concerning the Russian broker known as "Polina," we endeavored to establish communication with her to enhance our understanding and verify the narratives of the volunteers, their families, and acquaintances. Our initial outreach was conducted via the WhatsApp application, utilizing one of the contact numbers she provided in her group for those interested in joining the Russian army. Upon reaching out to inquire about the recruitment procedures for individuals outside Russia, the financial compensation offered, and the steps involved in securing Russian citizenship, Polina promptly responded with detailed information addressing all the inquiries I raised regarding my brother's potential travel to Russia. The conversation between us transpired as follows:

- Chat between the broker and the investigative editor

Investigative Editor:

Good evening, I'd like to know how my brother can volunteer for the army in Russia. Can you provide some information?

Polina:

Good evening. The volunteer army contract is for at least one year. After signing it, the volunteer receives an initial payment of 800,000 rubles or $8,200. I receive 50% of this amount and 10% of the monthly salary for the entire duration of the contract with the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation. The monthly salary starts at a minimum of 210,000 rubles, and after 6 months, your brother will receive a Russian passport.

Investigative Editor:

What steps does my brother need to take to join the army?

Polina:

If your brother agrees to the conditions, I will arrange an invitation for him to enter the Russian Federation. He needs to provide a high-quality copy of his passport to sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense for a special military operation.

Polina:

If you want to go to Russia for another purpose, a special invitation with a fee is required.

Investigative Editor:

Will the visa be issued as an invitation to study? How long will it take to prepare it? Can I accompany him?

Polina:

No, a study invitation for Egyptians is not available. Only a special or tourist invitation. As for accompanying him, he will be serving in the army, so it wouldn't be possible for you to be with him.

Investigative Editor:

Is there any way to go with my brother? For example, to work in some field or join the Russian army?

Investigative Editor:

How much does the invitation cost, and how long will it take to prepare it? Will my brother face any problems if he decides to return to Egypt?

Polina:

Your brother will undergo one month of training before he begins his service. I will prepare a Russian passport for him six months after he starts his service. He will not face any problems when returning to Egypt because he will already be a Russian citizen. I will also prepare his invitation for free. For you, I can prepare a special invitation, which costs $1,500. It will take 30 to 45 days to prepare the invitation for you.

Investigative Editor:

What is the duration of the contract with the Russian army? Is it only for one year?

Polina:

Yes, the contract is for one year. After six months, he will have paid leave and obtain Russian citizenship.

Polina:

Let your brother write to me himself if he agrees to the terms of this agreement after sending the passport.

Investigative Editor:

Does my brother have to go to the Russian embassy in Cairo to complete the paperwork, or will you handle everything?

Polina:

I or my assistant will take care of everything. The documents must be printed and signed, and the passport photo must be of high quality. You can send me his passport now.

Polina continued to inquire about the completion of travel documents following our communication with her. We were warned by four Egyptians who had gone through a similar experience about the risks of sending travel papers, obtaining an invitation, and arriving in Russia, as the decision to join the army cannot be reversed and could result in a summons by the Russian police to implement the contract signed as a foreign citizen on Russian soil.

Upon completion of the necessary procedures, individuals finalize their contracts with Polina, as a crucial step before engaging directly with the Russian Ministry of Defense upon their arrival in Russia. Upon landing at Moscow airport, they are greeted by Polina’s representative. This was the experience of a thirty-year-old man named Shaker from Dakahlia Governorate, who recounted to his wife that upon his arrival at the airport in late September 2023, he was met by an individual holding a small sign displaying his name in Arabic. He subsequently spent one night at a hotel in Moscow.

The following morning, he was transported to a designated location where new volunteers who had arrived in Russia via Polina congregate. They are accommodated for two to three days in a facility located within a forested area near a small village on the periphery of a Russian city (the name of which is withheld for security reasons). During their stay, the young men are prohibited from leaving the premises and remain under guard until they are officially received by the military. This information is corroborated by accounts from volunteers Saeed Ramadan and Nour Al-Sayed, who described the conditions and activities taking place at this location.

The targeting of the reconnaissance group, which included the young Egyptian volunteer Saeed Ramadan, resulting in the deaths and injuries of most of its members (three fatalities, one injury, and one survivor), is indicative of a broader trend rather than an isolated incident. Testimonies collected from close associates of seven Egyptian volunteers who lost their lives in military operations reveal sentiments such as: “We do not receive compensation or citizenship; rather, we face death,” and, “We have little hope of survival unless the conflict concludes.”

Rami Abu Shamsya, a representative of the Ukrainian Patriot Party, posits that Russia is taking advantage of Egyptian students who have traveled to Russia for educational purposes amidst the conflict. He remarked, "They are merely utilized as bait in this war; they enter the fray solely to meet their demise."

The unfortunate fate of dozens, possibly hundreds, of Egyptians who have volunteered to fight alongside Russian forces, alongside the grim reality facing those who have survived, has prompted many to reconsider their commitment to military service. A notable expression of this sentiment came from young Egyptian Ahmed Al-Bihiri, who, after five months of service, conveyed a cautionary message to his friend Atiya, currently residing in Russia, urging him not to consider volunteering.

Al-Bihiri recounted how fate had spared him from death, as his role shifted from direct combat to serving at the battalion headquarters following an injury sustained in a combat zone. Unlike his eight comrades who perished, Al-Bihiri's survival has led him to contemplate future ventures. He shared with his friend, "If I survive my service, I intend to invest the money I earned into a project, and we can work together."

25 Egyptians lost their lives in the ongoing battles

A statistical report conducted by Masrawy indicates that 25 Egyptians lost their lives in the ongoing battles, based on distress calls and announcements from their families and friends shared across social media platforms.

Among the tragic stories is that of Walid Othman, a 21-year-old Egyptian from the village of Sherbin in Dakahlia Governorate. Initially traveling to Russia for education, he joined the Russian army in pursuit of citizenship and financial gain, only to lose his life 40 days later due to a mine explosion. His friend Marwan recounted receiving a call from Walid's company commander, who informed him of Walid's death and provided a photo of the deceased.

For two months, Marwan and his companions attempted to negotiate with a Russian officer for the recovery of Walid's body from Ukrainian territory, but to no avail. They ultimately reached out to the imam of a nearby mosque in Ukraine, who informed the officer of the arrangement to deliver Walid's body to that village. The imam conducted the funeral prayers and buried him in the local Muslim cemetery.

In contrast to Saeed Ramadan and Nour El-Sayed, who voluntarily joined the Russian army in exchange for citizenship and financial incentives, Mohamed Mahmoud and Shaker El-Sayed were motivated primarily by the desire to avoid deportation from Russia. Mahmoud, who had resided in Russia for six years after migrating for work, faced escalating difficulties after his work permit expired last year. Unable to secure new employment, he turned to his father for financial assistance to return to Egypt. Lacking the necessary funds, he had no alternative but to enlist in the military, where he ultimately lost his life due to a mine explosion in an armored vehicle.

Shaker, who traveled to Russia in September 2023 after numerous unsuccessful attempts to obtain a visa, managed to secure a work contract in Moscow through a travel agency. However, shortly after his arrival, he opted to enlist in the Russian army instead of pursuing his contracted work, and he was subsequently killed in combat in November of the same year.

According to Bloomberg's report from European officials last June, the Kremlin has allegedly compelled thousands of immigrants and foreign students to join Russian forces in its conflict against Ukraine. Russian officials have indicated that this measure has bolstered the Russian army's manpower for its offensive in the Kharkiv region. 

The agency accused Russian authorities of threatening foreigners with the non-renewal of visas for African students and workers residing in Russia unless they agree to enlist in the military.

Shaker El-Sayed and Mohamed Mahmoud are among ten individuals whose fates oscillate between confirmed death and unexplained disappearance. We have monitored appeal calls from their families circulating in Arab and Egyptian groups in Russia and reached out to several, three of whom confirmed filing complaints with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the unknown status of their sons and are still awaiting a response.

After many hours traversing the forests of Donetsk, Saeed Ramadan arrived at his battalion's headquarters, dragging his wounded leg. “You’re alive,” greeted the battalion commander. Saeed informed him that three of his comrades had been killed, while one was still alive in the trench where they had been attacked, requesting assistance in bringing him water and food to aid in his rescue.

Saeed Ramadan received treatment in the hospital, and during his last communication with his friend Mohamed, he mentioned he had received orders to return to the operations area. A few days later, he embarked on a military mission at the front line, after which Mohamed and his family lost all contact with him. His fate remains unknown to this day. In contrast, Nour El-Sayed, who completed his military service and obtained Russian citizenship, has become a mediator and facilitator for those in his village and neighboring villages in Upper Egypt wishing to enlist in the Russian army. He offers his services, typically for a fee, to those interested in joining through Egyptian and Arab groups in Russia.

We reached out to the Russian and Egyptian Foreign Ministries but received no response by the time this investigation was published. 

***

The names Saeed, Walid, Mahmoud, Al-Bihiri, and others mentioned during this investigative report are pseudonyms. We opted to conceal their true identities out of concern for those still living, as well as in respect for the families of those who lost their lives, especially since they have not publicly disclosed that their sons were killed in the Russian-Ukrainian war, instead attributing their deaths to various accidents.

Additional material:

Volunteer Legislation in Russia Before and After the War

*Before the War (up to February 24, 2022)*

▪         Age: 18 to 30 years.

▪         Duration of Service: 5 years.

▪         Requirement: Proficiency in Russian.

▪         Citizenship Process: Available after 3 years of military service.

▪         Salary: Approximately $2,000-3,000 per month, though not precisely specified.

*After the Onset of War (from February 24, 2022)*

▪         Maximum age raised to 40 years.

▪         Contract duration reduced to one year.

▪         The requirement for proficiency in the Russian language was abolished.

▪         Eligibility for Russian citizenship after 6 months of service (previously 3 years).

▪         Foreigners are permitted to apply for citizenship without the need for a five-year residence permit.

▪         Salary increases that could reach $7,000, including additional bonuses in certain cases.

The number of Egyptian students in Russia has steadily increased over the past six years:

- In 2018, approximately 2,300 students were enrolled.

- By 2022, this figure had risen to around 12,357 students.

- In 2023, the number reached approximately 16,000 students.

Source: Deputy Minister of Education, Russia.

- Prominent youth recruitment centers for military volunteering include:

* Tatarstan

* Nizhny Novgorod

* Perm

* Saratov

* Saint Petersburg

* Moscow

* Ufa

* Cheboksary

* Yekaterinburg

Publishing language: "Russian-Arabic"

Current group membership: Approximately 1,170 members

Composition: 

- 40% Egyptians

- The remainder consists of various Arab and African nationalities

- Less than 2% identify as Russian

Obituaries for Egyptian volunteers registered: 4

- A young man named "Mohamed" dated February 26, 2024.

- A young man named "Ismail" dated April 19, 2024.

- A young man named "Salem" dated July 12, 2024.

- A young man named "Omar" dated July 19, 2024.

Five invitations with lists of dozens of volunteers

Travel invitations and visa applications for Egyptians, Arabs, and Africans were published on several occasions:

- May 1, 2024: A list of approximately 238 names.

- May 7, 2024: A photo expressing gratitude towards Egyptians for joining.

- August 9, 2024: A list of 17 names of Egyptians applying for visas.

- August 11, 2024: Photos of invitations aimed at young Egyptians.

- August 26, 2024: A list featuring about 17 names of Egyptians.

Lists of accepted names:

Lists of individuals accepted into the Russian army were disclosed:

- May 1, 2024: A list of roughly 238 names.

- June 4, 2024: A list consisting of approximately 237 names.

- July 19, 2024: A list featuring about 13 names of Egyptians.

- August 26, 2024: A list containing around 17 names of Egyptians.

Promotional materials within the group consist of:

- Approximately 340 images, which include travel invitations, visas, passports, images of deceased soldiers, photographs of new recruits, and memorials for fallen recruits.

- 28 links to various Russian medical groups, videos related to training, and other topics pertinent to recruits.

- 3 audio recordings in the Russian dialect, alongside one video featuring the young man "Mazen," addressing group members.

Egyptian volunteers:

Egyptian volunteers have largely refrained from posting content, except for one video by "Mazen."

The countries that predominantly published lists of their members' names include:

- Egypt, Syria, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, Libya, Yemen.

Number of photos featuring volunteers and foreign soldiers

The total number of photos featuring volunteers and foreign soldiers, including Egyptians, amounts to 340 images, encompassing photos of invitations, visas, new recruits, and deceased soldiers.

In addition to her Telegram channel, Polina Alexandrovna maintains two unverified personal accounts on the social networking platform Facebook, one of which predominantly features private content. The other account is utilized for engagement with various Arab and Egyptian groups based in Russia.

* First account name: Полина Александровна

* The account is active, with frequent posts.

* Place of residence: Toronto

* Origin: Voronezh, Voronezh Krai, Russia

* Marital status: Single

* Account creation year: 2016

* Educational background: Voronezh State Pedagogical University

* Notably, most of Polina's posts from February 2022, coinciding with the onset of the Russian-Ukrainian war, predominantly consisted of lists or invitations for Arabs, Egyptians, and Africans to enlist in the Russian military.

* Photographs during this period depicted Polina in military attire, alongside settings that appeared to be associated with military activities or new recruits.

* All posts on this page are in Arabic and Russian.

Prior to January 2022, the content shared on Polina's page primarily consisted of visa opportunities and invitations for Arab, Egyptian, and African students to pursue education in Russia.

The second account is identified as Доктор Полина Александровна.

* This account is also active, with consistent postings.

* Current residence: Voronezh

* Relationship status: In a relationship

* Follower count: 3,096

* Educational background: Pushkin State Institute of the Russian Language

* Similar to her first account, most of Polina's posts from February 2022 related to the conflict involved invitations for Arabs, Egyptians, and Africans to join the Russian army, accompanied by images of Polina in military clothing in settings likely related to military operations.

* All posts are published in Arabic and Russian.

Before January 2022, her content encompassed visas and invitations for foreign students to study in Russia, alongside personal narratives concerning her son and her life.

Amendments to the Volunteer Law

●       In November 2022, legislation was enacted to permit the recruitment of Russians holding dual nationality.

●       In February 2023, it became prohibited to enter into additional contracts following the initial agreement.

●       In May 2023, the requirement of a six-month service period to attain citizenship was eliminated.

●       Provisions for facilitating citizenship acquisition for individuals from several countries and stateless persons were introduced.

- Overview of the conflict in Kharkiv

●       Kharkiv is the second-largest city in Ukraine in terms of area and population.

●       It is situated in northeastern Ukraine, in close proximity to the Russian border.

●       The city is regarded as a critical strategic point.

●       In early May 2024, Russian forces penetrated the international border into Kharkiv.

●       Several villages were captured, prompting a mass exodus of civilians.

●       Controlling Kharkiv enhances the defensive capabilities of Ukrainian forces and hampers the advance of Russian troops.

●       The combat in this region has been characterized by intense hostilities within residential neighborhoods and buildings.

Timeline of Recruitment Steps

⮚    After the contract is agreed upon, the student meets with Polina or one of her assistants in Moscow.

⮚    He signs a contract with her based on her own terms, termed a “monopoly contract.”

⮚    Subsequently, she acts as an intermediary between the student and the Ministry of Defense.

⮚    He accompanies her to a rented residence where young men are assembled.

⮚    Once the paperwork for these young men is finalized, they are transported from the residence to the recruitment center.

⮚    Within the recruitment center, contracts are executed with the volunteers.

⮚    Following the contract signing, necessary medical examinations are conducted, along with guidance on anticipated plans and possibilities.

⮚    After the contracts are signed, the volunteers undergo a comprehensive investigation process before being deployed to the battlefront.