Question: What is currently known about the participation of Turkmen citizens in the war against Ukraine on the side of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation? Answer: Russia is actively recruiting people from Central Asian countries to participate in the war. Unfortunately, this includes citizens of Turkmenistan, as well as ethnic Turkmens holding Russian citizenship. According to our data, we know the names of at least 488 citizens of Turkmenistan who have fought or are currently fighting against Ukraine. As of summer 2025, at least 61 citizens of Turkmenistan have been killed. These are only the cases that have been confirmed based on information from our sources, including data obtained from structures within the Russian Armed Forces. According to our estimates, the real number of Turkmen citizens involved in the war, as well as those killed, may be several times higher. At the same time, it is important to note that compared to other Central Asian countries, the number of Turkmen citizens who have signed contracts with the Russian Armed Forces remains the lowest. Question: What methods are used to recruit citizens of Turkmenistan and other foreign nationals? Answer: The recruitment of foreign nationals is carried out through several main methods. The first is financial incentive. People are offered relatively high salaries — between 2,000 and 3,000 US dollars per month — as well as promises of Russian citizenship, social benefits, and payments. Many agree, hoping to earn money for themselves and their families. The second method is deception. People are invited under the pretext of civilian jobs — in construction, security, warehouses, or as drivers. They are told the work is connected to the Russian Ministry of Defense, but they are not informed that it involves military service. After signing the contract, they are sent for brief training and then deployed to the front line. The third method is coercion. This is especially common among labor migrants. Recruiters exploit their legal vulnerability, including: expiration of visas, inability to legalize their stay, administrative detention. In such situations, individuals are offered a so-called “choice” between long-term imprisonment and signing a military contract. Question: What roles do foreign nationals perform on the front line, and how dangerous is it? Answer: After signing the contract, foreign recruits undergo short training, usually lasting from one to two weeks. They are then deployed directly into combat zones. The vast majority of foreign nationals are used as riflemen and assault troops. These are among the most dangerous combat roles. They participate in infantry assaults, where they must advance on foot over long distances under constant threat from artillery and drone attacks. We analyzed data on more than 3,000 deceased foreign nationals and found that 42% of them died within the first four months after signing their contracts. This demonstrates an extremely high mortality rate among foreign participants in the war. Question: What legal consequences do Turkmen citizens face if they participate in the war? Answer: Under the legislation of Turkmenistan, participation of its citizens in armed conflicts on the territory of foreign states is considered a criminal offense. This may be punishable by imprisonment for up to ten years. Additionally, mercenarism — participation in war for material compensation — is also a criminal offense and may be punishable by imprisonment for up to eight years. However, criminal prosecution is not the most serious risk. The greatest danger is the high probability of death on the battlefield. Question: What is the “I Want to Live” project, and what assistance does it provide? Answer: The “I Want to Live” project was created in 2022 following the start of the full-scale war. Its purpose is to provide military personnel, including foreign nationals, with the opportunity to preserve their lives by voluntarily surrendering to the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The project provides: confidential communication, coordination of safe exit, support and protection of the individual’s life. Information about individuals who contact the project remains strictly confidential. Since its creation, the project’s website has been visited by more than 50 million people. Question: Can citizens of Turkmenistan contact the “I Want to Live” project? Answer: Yes. Citizens of Turkmenistan can contact the project and receive assistance. If a person is already on the front line and wants to preserve their life, the project can help organize a safe exit and surrender. People who fear mobilization or coercion into participating in the war can also seek assistance. Question: What role can civil society and international organizations play? Answer: The key role is awareness and information. It is extremely important to spread information about the real risks of participating in the war, recruitment methods, and opportunities to preserve life. We have seen that public attention and pressure can influence the situation. In some countries, after media coverage of recruitment activities, authorities began taking measures to protect their citizens. Question: Have the authorities of Turkmenistan responded to the published information? Answer: Yes. After the publication of information about Turkmen citizens involved in the war, contact was established with representatives of Turkmenistan’s diplomatic structures. Consul Serdar Kakadjanov and Third Secretary of the Embassy Begench Soyunov stated that Turkmen authorities would verify the information and conduct appropriate informational outreach. They also stated that Turkmenistan’s diplomatic structures remain open to dialogue. Question: What is your message to the citizens of Turkmenistan? Answer: The peoples of Turkmenistan and Ukraine have always lived in peace. There has never been hostility between our countries. We urge the citizens of Turkmenistan not to become participants in this war. This is not your war. It brings only death and destruction. If someone has already found themselves in the war and wants to preserve their life, they can contact the “I Want to Live” project: https://t.me/spasisebyabot� We will help preserve your life.
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