UK-trained elite commandos approached to fight for Russia against Ukraine

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Ghulam’s journey started when a coworker handed him a form that presented a chance for escape. He had dedicated over 12 years of his life to an elite unit of Afghan special forces, established and funded by the British government. However, after having to escape from the Taliban and leave Afghanistan for Iran, he found himself working long hours in a recycling factory while also trying to avoid the police due to his lack of proper documentation.

An Afghan acquaintance who provided Ghulam with the form was aware of his military experience and believed he might be receptive to a proposition. For some individuals in Ghulam’s position, receiving a form is the initial step, while others get phone calls from fellow Afghan veterans. Some even encounter recruiters in person. Regardless of the method or specifics of the offer, the gist remains consistent for these highly trained UK commandos: they are being invited to join the fight alongside Vladimir Putin's Russian forces against Ukraine.

Ghulam served in the Afghan Territorial Force (ATF) 444, which was established by the British along with another unit, Commando Force (CF) 333, in the 2000s. Collectively referred to as the “Triples,” these forces fought alongside UK soldiers against the Taliban. However, this partnership has put them in danger since the Taliban took power again in 2021. The UK government is currently reconsidering its prior decision to deny sanctuary to thousands of these individuals, but progress has been slow. Many of them are living in fear and receiving little to no updates regarding their future from the Ministry of Defence. An investigation conducted by The Independent, in partnership with investigative team Lighthouse Reports and Afghan news outlet Etilaat Roz, reveals that while the Triples continue to wait in uncertainty, threats from Britain’s enemies are increasing.

As Putin's conflict in Ukraine nears its third year, it has proven to be a prolonged and expensive endeavor for Moscow. The call-up of civilians and even prisoners for military service has intensified, with many being deployed to the eastern front, which has earned the nickname "the meatgrinder." Current estimates suggest that Russian casualties have exceeded 700,000, with over 100,000 reported dead. In an attempt to bolster its ranks, Russia has also enlisted individuals from countries such as Cuba, Syria, India, and most recently, North Korea.

Keir Giles, a senior research fellow specializing in Russia and Eurasia at Chatham House, noted that Afghans who have elite combat skills would certainly appeal to military recruiters. He commented that Russia is seeking to utilize all available sources of personnel for its armed forces, without resorting to large-scale mobilizations.

A loose group of countries supporting Russia—specifically Iran, North Korea, and China—will likely be eager to seek out ways to help Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

"We've already witnessed this happening with manpower support in North Korea. It wouldn't be shocking if this trend spreads to other nations, especially if their involvement remains inconspicuous—like how Iran might help recruit individuals from other countries."

After talking to 14 former members of the Triples in Iran and many others in Afghanistan, we discovered that there was an initial surge of recruitment opportunities for Afghan ex-soldiers in 2023, which was then followed by a second wave at the beginning of this year.

We've come across several seemingly legitimate recruitment forms, including one given to Ghulam, that have been distributed among Afghan veterans living in Iran. These forms, written in Dari, request personal information and contact details.

One section also inquires about the applicant's understanding of military matters and their experience as a soldier. It further requests information about their military skills. Additionally, the form asks about the applicant's educational background and whether they possess a driver's license.

Ghulam was taken into custody by the Iranian police and sent back to Afghanistan before he had the chance to consider the opportunity presented to him. He was informed that a former Afghan general was in charge of the recruitment process, and the next step would involve an interview to evaluate his qualifications.

Several ex-special forces members in Iran reported that they were first contacted for recruitment through former Afghan army or security personnel via phone. Others mentioned that Afghan human traffickers reached out to them in person. A former army doctor named Musharaf shared that he even met with Russian officials from the embassy in Tehran to discuss the recruitment process.

Musharaf stated that he had acted on behalf of several hundred ex-special forces members during discussions. "I used to visit the Russian embassy to speak with their officials about how to join the ranks," he described. "We made the choice to travel to Russia alongside these 200 special forces personnel. Our reasoning was that wherever we could get enough food, that would be our new home. We felt compelled to take this step because life in Iran has become extremely tough."

"I had a conversation with people from Russia, and they confirmed that they would be willing to pay $3,000 (£2,370) each month."

He mentioned that everything was “set to roll” when he talked to his previous manager in the Triples division, who warned him it wouldn't be the best choice. At that moment, he chose not to proceed, and those he had brought on board decided to do the same.

Musharaf mentioned that some of his acquaintances had received recruitment this year and got their visas from Moscow’s embassy in Tehran. “I’m aware that a number of people have participated in their program to go to Ukraine,” he stated, but he couldn't offer any proof to back this up.

Hamid, who served as a training officer in his 13-year career at ATF444, shared that while he spent 18 months in Iran working in construction, he was approached three times by Afghan intermediaries who offered him a position to fight for Russia.

He mentioned that he received the offer earlier this year: “Initially, I was contacted twice in one week, and then about a month later, I was reached out to again. The individuals who contacted me were Afghans involved in human trafficking or dealing in contracts. They are the sort of people who facilitate crossing borders to reach another country.”

They mentioned that there are Afghans in Russia who have been enlisted, and my role would be to go there and provide them with training. However, I’m not familiar with the situation in Russia, and I made it clear that I wasn’t interested in participating. I’ve decided not to engage in any similar activities, like battles or missions, especially not for a foreign nation.

"I'm optimistic about getting reassigned to the UK and I plan to remain committed to the British."

Although none of the individuals we talked to accepted the proposal, conditions for Afghans in Iran are growing increasingly difficult. The Iranian government intends to expel approximately two million migrants, primarily from Afghanistan, by March, and new limitations are further reducing the few freedoms that Afghans had. As a result, many of these individuals are faced with a dire choice: agree to fight or return to Afghanistan, where they and their families will confront the Taliban, who have brutalized and killed many since August 2021.

During this time, the Ministry of Defence's review of rejected applications for its relocation program aimed at Afghans who collaborated closely with British forces has faced numerous setbacks. In February, the MoD stated that it would reassess approximately 2,000 denied applications under the Afghan relocations and assistance policy (Arap) within a three-month period. This announcement came after a joint investigation by The Independent, Lighthouse Reports, and Sky News last year uncovered that many applicants had been turned down. Government officials have mentioned that they believe around 25% of the applications that are reviewed will be approved upon further examination.

Nine months later, the review is still in progress. In October, armed forces minister Luke Pollard acknowledged that the delay has caused significant disappointment and stated that it shouldn't have taken this much time.

The government announced that over 75% of the applications have been re-evaluated, and approvals are beginning to be authorized by Pollard.

However, the applicants found to be ineligible by the review process will not receive any notification. In reality, the UK government has chosen not to inform Afghans whose applications are currently being assessed that their cases are being looked at again.

Instead, the people of the Triples in Iran and Afghanistan are forced to live in constant fear, unable to lead a normal life in their own country. They cling to the hope that they will be among the estimated 500 individuals who have been told they can find safety in Britain.

Meanwhile, Rafi Hottak, a former Afghan interpreter currently in contact with ex-Triple members in Iran, mentioned that he had heard about gatherings of former Afghan special forces officers discussing their involvement in fighting for Russia.

“The Ministry of Defense must hasten the evaluation process,” he stated. “It’s important for them to consider this not just in terms of statistics, but also as a moral duty. These individuals supported us and took the necessary actions. Currently, they are left without a home or a nation to return to.”

A representative from the Ministry of Defence stated: "The armed forces minister has recently addressed Parliament and acknowledged the frustration regarding the lengthy duration of the review process."

"We have addressed the main concerns from the review and are focused on helping qualifying former Triples and their families relocate to the UK for a fresh start."

The government continues to prioritize the 'Triples review,' and ministers have instructed that it be completed promptly, while ensuring careful attention and thoroughness throughout the process.

A retired UK military member, who served alongside the Triples in Afghanistan, expressed that many individuals are nearing their limits. They remarked, "The Triples are fully aware of the UK's operational methods, from gathering intelligence to executing specialized military missions. There's a wealth of expertise that has been exchanged during the two decades we collaborated closely."

"Even though many commitments have not been kept, the Triples continue to stand by the UK. Yet, as so many of them struggle to get by, living in poverty and anxiety, there will eventually be a limit to how long they can endure this situation."

Names have been altered to safeguard the identities of former Afghan military members, who requested to remain anonymous.