Woman Accused of Luring Recruits to Russia’s Front Lines

A construction worker’s passport being burned has become a chilling symbol of what appears to be one woman’s effort to draw foreign men into Russia’s war in Ukraine and leave them trapped there. According to a BBC investigation, “Omar,” a 26-year-old Syrian speaking under a pseudonym, says Polina Alexandrovna Azarnykh, a former Russian teacher, recruited him and other Arab men through her Telegram channel. She allegedly promised high pay, housing, and even non-combat jobs in exchange for money.

Omar says Azarnykh collected recruits’ passports, promised Russian citizenship, and claimed that for $3,000 she could keep them away from the front lines. Instead, he says he received just 10 days of basic training before being sent directly into intense combat. When he refused to pay the money, a video was sent to his phone showing his passport burning, along with a woman’s voice he recognized as Azarnykh saying, “It’s burning well.”

Telegram Polina Azarnykh standing smiling in a long black coat and smart black boots in a line of men wearing jeans, casual shoes and jackets. Their faces have been blurred to conceal their identities. They are holding up Russian travel documents. — Polina Azarnykh frequently posts images of herself with new recruits, including the Syrian group Omar travelled with

The BBC reports it has identified nearly 500 men from Syria, Egypt, Yemen, and several African countries who received “invitation” documents from Azarnykh that allowed them to enter Russia to join the military. Family members of at least 12 of those men say they are now dead or missing. Recruits and relatives told the BBC they understood they were signing up for military service but believed they would be guarding facilities or checkpoints, not fighting on the front lines. They also said they were not clearly told that contracts could be extended indefinitely under a 2022 decree lasting until the war ends.

Telegram Polina Azarnykh looking straight at the camera while seated in a vehicle. She has long blonde hair and is wearing large sunglasses and a black top and is smiling. — Azarnykh frequently posts videos of herself encouraging people to serve in the Russian military

Azarnykh denies any wrongdoing and has increasingly stated in public videos that recruits knew they were going to war. She has mocked those who expected passports, housing, and comfortable conditions “for free.” The BBC says Azarnykh is part of a wider, loosely organized network of recruiters helping supply Russia with manpower as casualties rise, alongside other Arabic-language Telegram accounts promoting so-called “elite” units and large financial bonuses.