Just this Friday, November 28, the Russian Foreign Ministry claimed that a U.S.-based security contractor is recruiting Filipinos—mainly former security personnel and ex-military—to fight for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The Russian Foreign Ministry first made the claim, which was echoed in Russian state media.
But is this really true?
No Verified Evidence
No Philippine government agency, major news outlet, or independent source has confirmed (as of this writing) such recruitment.
According to Russian statements, the supposed recruitment included offers of European visas and relocation before deployment, with the Philippines among target countries. Yet no Filipino recruits have come forward, no contracts or recruitment materials have been verified, and agencies like the DFA, DOLE, and AFP have not confirmed the claims. Independent journalists and third-party monitors also found no evidence of the alleged visa pipeline.
Terrifying Omen
Even unverified, the story highlights risks tied to economic vulnerability, the ease with which Filipinos abroad might be drawn into unsafe labor arrangements, and the limited scrutiny of foreign actors operating in the region.
A reader captured this concern: “If this is true, our government let a foreign power recruit Filipinos for a war that has nothing to do with us. This is our country being treated like a cheap labor pool for someone else’s conflict.”
The Bottom Line
Currently, there is no verified proof that Filipinos are being recruited to fight in Ukraine. Still, the allegations spark an important conversation about government oversight of foreign contractors, protection of OFWs, and the risks of Filipinos being drawn into conflicts without transparency or accountability.
[UPDATE as of 11/28/2025]:
The German Embassy in Manila officially denied issuing Schengen work visas to any recruits, calling the allegation “baseless.” There remains no confirmation from Philippine authorities, no evidence from independent journalists, and no testimonies from potential recruits.
