Jakarta, ThedailyID — Ukraine has reportedly captured its first Indonesian national fighting for Russia, as the recruitment of foreign fighters into the Russian military continues to rise.
According to Ukraine’s government surrender initiative, I Want to Live, the man is 49 years old and comes from Java. He was reportedly taken to the Zaporizhzhia region to participate in a Russian assault.
The man and his group later reached Ukrainian-controlled territory after coming under a drone attack. Ukrainian authorities subsequently captured him, the initiative said.
The service also reported that 283 Indonesian nationals were recruited to fight for Russia against Ukraine during the first nine months of 2026.
The Russian Embassy in Jakarta had not immediately commented on the reported capture.
This is not the first report of Indonesians joining Russian forces. In August, Ukraine’s intelligence agency said eight Indonesian nationals had been recruited as Russian mercenaries.
Russia has reportedly offered foreign recruits high salaries, non-combat positions, and easier access to citizenship. In August, Ukraine’s intelligence agency accused the Kremlin of seeking new recruits in Indonesia.
Earlier in November, Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry urged Russia to stop recruiting Indonesian citizens into its military.
“The Indonesian government has asked the Russian government to take the necessary steps to ensure that Indonesian citizens are not recruited into the military or other military-related formations in Russia through any means,” Yvonne said in an official statement.
She added that Indonesia was particularly concerned about recruitment practices potentially involving human trafficking.
Indonesia has also asked Russia to formally exempt its citizens from military recruitment through any channel, with the government seeking swift and effective implementation.
The reported capture comes as Ukraine says Russia is facing a decline in domestic military volunteers. Moscow’s recruitment efforts involving foreigners have also been described by Ukrainian officials as propaganda portraying international support for Russia.
Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Despite repeated international calls for a lasting ceasefire, fighting continues, causing casualties and widespread material damage.
