On 6 August 2026, High Representative/Vice-President Kallas, answering a parliamentary question, strongly condemned Russia's deceitful and coercive recruitment of third-country nationals, including Africans, to fight in its war against Ukraine and to work in its military industry. She outlined diplomatic and awareness-raising efforts, and signalled that additional EU restrictive measures are possible, though any decision would require unanimity in the Council.
The answer came in response to a question signed by 28 MEPs from across the political spectrum, including Marit Maij (S&D), Sergey Lagodinsky (Verts/ALE), Urmas Paet (Renew), and Rihards Kols (ECR). The MEPs had detailed how Russia uses false promises of employment, education, and citizenship to recruit thousands of African nationals, strips them of identity documents, and forces them to the frontline in Ukraine, while women are tricked into exploitative factory work. They noted that the UK has already imposed targeted sanctions against these recruitment schemes and asked whether the EU would follow suit.
In her reply, Kallas said the EU has raised the issue in diplomatic contacts with affected countries and has invited them to warn their citizens against signing up for job or training opportunities in Russia. The European External Action Service has also run public diplomacy and strategic communication campaigns, including through EU Delegations in Africa. She added that she has discussed possible specific measures with Ukraine's leadership, given the varying circumstances of the foreign nationals involved.
On sanctions, Kallas noted that any additional restrictive measures on individuals and entities are decided by the Council by unanimity, implying that the EU is considering but has not yet agreed on such steps. The answer did not provide concrete details on repatriation mechanisms or financial support, leaving those questions open.
The response reflects a cleavage between the EU's declarative condemnation and the need for concrete action, with the Council's unanimity requirement potentially slowing progress. While the EU has not yet matched the UK's targeted sanctions, the diplomatic and awareness-raising measures are a first step. The impact is most significant for the trafficked individuals, who face life-threatening conditions, and for African states, which may need to strengthen protections for their citizens. EU member states face pressure to act, while the credibility of the EU's human rights commitments is at stake. The lack of specific repatriation plans may disappoint MEPs and civil society, but the door remains open for further measures if the Council reaches consensus.