As of 2026, the Ukrainian state-run project I Want to Live (Khochu Zhyty) has obtained the personal data of 12,666 Central Asian nationals who signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense to fight in the war against Ukraine. These figures were released by project representatives in response to an inquiry from the Ukraine–Central Asia initiative.
Among those identified, Uzbekistan has the highest count with 4,853 individuals. Tajikistan follows with 3,407, while Kazakhstan ranks third with 2,389. Kyrgyzstan accounts for at least 1,439 recruits, and Turkmenistan has the fewest recorded participants at 578.
Previously, in the spring and summer of 2025, the project published an itemized list of Central Asian nationals drawn into the conflict. At that time, the list included 5,740 names. This means that the number of identified recruits from the five Central Asian republics has more than doubled over the past year.
Notably, the Russian Ministry of Defense has never officially disclosed figures regarding the number of Central Asian nationals contracted to fight in Ukraine.
Background: Launched in 2022 by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Main Directorate of Intelligence, I Want to Live is a state initiative designed to offer Russian soldiers and foreign nationals a way to voluntarily surrender. The program guarantees treatment in accordance with international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. It provides a dedicated hotline and digital support channels where participants can receive specific instructions on how to safely surrender.
Follow us on:
Follow us on:
