Russia recruits Americans via social media for war against Ukraine, intelligence reports

Financial terms and recruitment channels

The Russian side offers US citizens financial incentives to participate in combat operations against Ukraine. According to Ukrainian intelligence, the base amount for signing a contract with the army is approximately $26,000, with additional monthly payments of $2,000. According to information published by the New York Post, the recruitment of foreigners takes place, among other things, through social networks Facebook and TikTok, and the Telegram messenger.

Ukrainian officials note that intermediaries who recruit new fighters may receive a reward of up to $24,000 for each signed contract. At present, it has been established that at least 18 US citizens have signed such agreements. Among them are former US Armed Forces servicemen, some of whom have already died.

Cases of deceased Americans

One case that attracted attention was the story of 23-year-old Seth William Baker from Arizona. He previously served in the US Marine Corps but was discharged after refusing mandatory COVID-19 vaccination. Baker then moved to Russia, where he signed a contract with the army. His life was cut short on the front just three months after his arrival.

The death of 21-year-old Michael Gloss, the son of Juliana Hallina, who held a senior position in the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), received particular resonance. Michael died in April 2024. According to his father, the young man sustained a fatal wound during an artillery bombardment while trying to assist an injured comrade.

Among the Americans fighting on the side of Russia is also former US Air Force serviceman Wilmer Puello-Mota. He left the US amid a criminal investigation and signed a contract with the Russian army in 2024.

General statistics and service conditions

According to the Ukrainian side, it has been possible to identify the identities of nearly 29,000 foreigners from 135 countries who have joined the ranks of the Russian military. Analysts suggest that the actual number of such individuals may be significantly higher.

Vitaliy Matvienko, head of the Ukrainian project for accepting Russian servicemen into captivity, claims that some foreign mercenaries face threats, extortion, and are sent to the most dangerous sections of the front. Meanwhile, not all Americans consider themselves victims of deception. Some openly state that they went to fight voluntarily, guided by their own convictions or hoping to obtain Russian citizenship.