Russia replenishes army with "cannon fodder" from Yemen - what is Putin's loophole

Ukrainian intelligence has identified at least 27 Yemeni citizens whom Russia is preparing to send to the front against Ukraine. The scheme uses Putin's decree on simplified citizenship to legalize and recruit foreigners, including teenagers born in 2006-2007.

Ukrainian intelligence (SVRU) reported that Russia is recruiting Yemeni citizens to participate in the war against Ukraine. At least 27 Yemenis have been identified who are being prepared for deployment to the front. The scheme uses Putin's decree No. 821 of November 5, 2025, on a simplified procedure for granting Russian citizenship. In July 2026, the head of the military recruitment point in Khanty-Mansiysk, Lieutenant K. Pervushin, appealed to the FSB border service to legalize the stay of several Yemenis for subsequent contract signing. Among those recruited are teenagers born in 2006 and 2007. The FSB border service and military enlistment offices are involved in the process. The article uses emotionally charged language in the headline and body, calling recruits "cannon fodder" and describing them as "very young guys whom the Kremlin is ready to throw into war."