A cross-party group of 28 MEPs, led by Marit Maij (S&D, Netherlands), has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission and the EU's High Representative, pressing for concrete measures to dismantle illicit recruitment networks that deceive African nationals into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. The MEPs accuse Russia of using false promises of employment, education, and citizenship to recruit thousands of foreign nationals, who are then stripped of their documents and forced to serve on the frontline or work in exploitative factory conditions. The question, filed on 18 June 2026, calls for targeted sanctions similar to those recently imposed by the United Kingdom, as well as repatriation support for trafficked individuals.
first, what measures the Commission and the High Representative are undertaking to combat the recruitment networks and Russian disinformation; second, whether the EU is considering targeted sanctions akin to the UK's; and third, what specific repatriation measures and financial support are planned. The MEPs reference a previous European Parliament resolution calling for EU action on the issue, and note that state-linked paramilitary companies, intermediaries, and embassy officials are enabling the schemes.
The question signals a push for stronger EU-level action against human trafficking linked to Russia's war, including sanctions and repatriation mechanisms. It aligns with a broader trend of EU institutions seeking to hold Russia accountable for war-related abuses, but also reflects a cleavage between EU foreign policy ambition and the practical challenges of imposing sanctions on non-state networks operating across multiple jurisdictions.
African nationals recruited under false pretenses would benefit from repatriation and protection measures. EU foreign policy bodies would face pressure to design and implement targeted sanctions, potentially straining diplomatic relations with African states where recruitment occurs. EU member states would need to coordinate repatriation efforts and provide financial support. The UK's existing sanctions create a precedent that may push the EU to act to maintain alignment with allied policies.
The Commission and the High Representative are expected to reply within approximately six weeks. Their answer will signal whether the EU is prepared to adopt sanctions similar to the UK's and to allocate resources for repatriation, or whether it will defer to member state-led initiatives.