Reporters - Putin’s Recruits: The Young Africans Fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Exploited in Russia: African women forced to make drones

They hoped for a better career but ended up in Russia's war factories. A new study reveals how young women, mainly from Africa, have been being exploited. Some of those affected have shared their stories with DW.

Reporters - Putin’s recruits: The young Africans fighting for Russia in Ukraine

Nicknamed the "Black Wagners", hundreds of African men have been recruited by the Russian army to fight against Ukraine. Lured by promises of high wages, jobs or even Russian passports, some have voluntarily opted to join Russian President Vladimir Putin's army. But for others, things are far more complicated: dozens have been manipulated and forcibly recruited. Lucile Chaussoy, Marc Kouho and Saloum Sané investigate.