Russia Deploys World War II Propaganda Film to Recruit Africans

Russia has launched a new recruitment campaign targeting Africans with World War II-themed propaganda footage, according to multiple reports from European intelligence agencies. The campaign represents Moscow’s latest attempt to bolster its military ranks amid mounting casualties in Ukraine and growing reluctance among Russian citizens to enlist.

The propaganda videos, which have been circulating on social media platforms across several African countries, repurpose historical footage from the Soviet Union’s fight against Nazi Germany. These materials have been modified with voice-overs in various African languages, presenting Russia as a historic liberator and framing the current Ukraine conflict as a continuation of that legacy.

European security officials monitoring the campaign note that the videos explicitly invite young African men to join Russia’s military, promising significant financial compensation, fast-track citizenship, and other benefits. Monthly salaries reportedly range from $2,000 to $3,000, amounts that far exceed average incomes in many targeted nations.

“This represents a significant escalation in Russia’s recruitment tactics,” said Anton Markelov, an Eastern European security analyst. “They’re exploiting economic vulnerabilities in African countries while leveraging historical narratives that may resonate with audiences who have limited access to diverse information sources about the Ukraine conflict.”

The recruitment drive has been particularly active in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and parts of Central Africa, where Russian influence has grown significantly in recent years, often through the Wagner Group’s security partnerships. These regions have experienced political instability and deteriorating relations with Western nations, creating openings for increased Russian presence.

Russia’s Ministry of Defense has not officially acknowledged the campaign, but Kremlin-affiliated media have published stories highlighting what they describe as “international volunteers” supporting Russian forces.

The repurposed World War II footage features carefully selected scenes showing Soviet soldiers liberating territories and being welcomed by local populations. The narrative constructed around these images portrays Russia as fighting against Western imperialism and neo-colonialism, themes designed to resonate with audiences in post-colonial African states.

African community leaders and policy experts have expressed concern about the campaign. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo, a political scientist at the University of Cape Town, warns that the recruitment efforts could have destabilizing effects.

“Young men who are economically vulnerable may be tempted by these offers without fully understanding the reality of what they’re signing up for,” Okonjo said. “The propaganda completely misrepresents the nature of the Ukraine conflict and obscures the high casualty rates among foreign fighters.”

Western intelligence estimates suggest Russia has suffered between 120,000 and 180,000 casualties since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, creating an urgent need for replacement troops. Previous recruitment efforts have targeted Central Asian migrants, prisoners, and foreign nationals from various regions.

The European Union’s External Action Service has initiated a counter-information campaign to alert potential recruits to the realities of serving in the Russian military. “We’re working with African partners to ensure their citizens have access to accurate information about what participation in this conflict really means,” said EU spokesperson Helena Koning.

Some African governments have already taken steps to warn citizens against responding to these recruitment attempts. Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement last week reminding citizens that participating in foreign conflicts is illegal under national law and could result in prosecution.

Military analysts suggest this recruitment strategy indicates Russia’s commitment to a prolonged conflict despite significant personnel losses. “They’re clearly planning for the long haul,” said former NATO strategist James Harrington. “Targeting African nations for recruitment shows both desperation and strategic adaptation as domestic support for mobilization wanes.”

Human rights organizations have called for social media platforms to restrict the distribution of these recruitment materials, which they argue exploit vulnerable populations and potentially violate international laws regarding mercenary recruitment.

As the Ukraine conflict approaches its third year, Russia’s expanding recruitment strategies highlight both the significant human cost of the war and Moscow’s determination to maintain military operations despite mounting challenges in securing willing combatants.