The Ministry of Justice provided information on the number of prisoners of war from Central Asian countries.

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainian military forces have captured approximately 30 citizens from Central Asian countries. This was reported on Tuesday, January 28, by Radio Liberty, referencing the words of Ukraine's Minister of Justice, Olha Stefanishyna.

Stefanishyna explained that the information regarding the citizenship of the prisoners of war is often determined based on their statements, as there are usually no documents to verify it.

Moreover, the Ministry of Justice emphasized that prisoners of war held in Ukrainian detention facilities, regardless of their citizenship, have the same legal status. This is enshrined in both international and national legal acts.

“The citizenship of a prisoner of war, including dual citizenship, does not affect their legal status in any way,” Stefanishyna added.

It is worth noting that on January 16, it was reported that Russia lured about 100 Indians with job or educational offers, but later forced them to serve in the army and fight against Ukraine.

Russians are also enticing citizens from other countries to join the war in Ukraine. In November 2024, it became known that the occupiers were recruiting Yemenis for the war, promising them high-paying jobs, but instead sending them to the front lines in Ukraine.

In May 2024, it was reported that Russia had significantly intensified its campaign to recruit foreign mercenaries for the war against Ukraine. This includes mercenaries from Central Africa, particularly from Rwanda, Burundi, Congo, and Uganda.