Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Russia Offers U.S. Recruits $26,000 for Ukraine War
Russia is trying to find more soldiers for its war against Ukraine.
Reports say it has offered some Americans large payments to join its military.
Recruiters allegedly use Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram to find people who may be poor or easily influenced.
At least 18 American men have reportedly joined.
One of them, Seth William Baker, was killed after fighting for Russia for three months.
Another recruit was Michael Gloss, who was killed in Donetsk while helping a wounded Russian soldier.
Ukrainian officials say tens of thousands of foreigners may be fighting for Russia.
Some foreign recruits say they were abused and sent into very dangerous battles.
Russia reportedly offers U.S. recruits a $26,000 signing bonus and $2,000 monthly pay.
At least 18 U.S. men have allegedly been recruited to fight for Russia, according to The New York Post.
Seth William Baker, a former U.S. Marine from Arizona, was killed three months after joining Russia’s war.
Ukrainian officials say nearly 29,000 foreigners from 135 countries are fighting for Russia, though the actual number may be higher.
Russia’s military recruitment effort reportedly uses targeted social-media advertising and comes as Vladimir Putin orders an expanded army.
- Who
- Russia and foreign recruits, including at least 18 U.S. men; Ukrainian officials provided estimates of foreign fighters.
- What
- Russia is reportedly recruiting foreign troops, offering payments and using online advertisements and propaganda.
- When
- The recruitment is occurring as the Russia-Ukraine war continues; Michael Gloss was killed in 2024.
- Where
- The recruitment reportedly occurs online, while recruits are sent to fight in Ukraine, including Donetsk.
- Why
- Russia is seeking more troops, including after Vladimir Putin ordered an increase in the size of the army.
- Reported U.S. recruits
- At least 18 men
- Reported signing bonus
- $26,000
- Reported monthly pay
- $2,000
- Foreign fighters estimate
- Nearly 29,000 from 135 countries, according to Ukrainian officials
- Ordered active military size
- 1.55 million servicemen
- Total Russian armed forces size
- 2,441,630 personnel
- Reported recruitment platforms
- Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram