Jordan Demands Russia Halt Citizen Recruitment After Fatalities in Ukraine War

Jordan Urges Russia to Cease Citizen Recruitment After Fatalities in Ukraine Conflict

Amman, Jordan – The Kingdom of Jordan has delivered a powerful message to Russia, formally requesting an immediate cessation of the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian armed forces. This stern diplomatic move follows the tragic deaths of two Jordanians who were reportedly fighting on behalf of Moscow.

Violation of Law and Grave Danger

Jordan's foreign ministry has unequivocally labeled the recruitment efforts as a direct violation of both Jordanian and international law. Furthermore, the ministry stressed that such actions expose Jordanian citizens to "serious danger."

Mr. Fuad al-Majali, the official spokesman for the ministry, appealed to all Jordanians to come forward and report any attempts to enlist them into the Russian military. He issued a stark warning about the potential consequences, highlighting not only the inherent risk of death in a conflict zone but also the significant legal ramifications under Jordanian law, which strictly forbids its citizens from joining foreign armies.

Diplomatic Actions and Online Monitoring

In addition to its public statements, the ministry confirmed that it has formally requested Russian authorities to halt the recruitment of Jordanians and to facilitate the discharge of any citizens already serving. The statement also acknowledged the presence of online recruitment campaigns, indicating that Jordanian authorities are actively monitoring these digital efforts.

While the precise number of Jordanians who may have been recruited remains undisclosed, unofficial data suggests a substantial presence of Jordanians in Russia, with hundreds residing there and over 20,000 having studied in the nations of the former Soviet Union.

Historical Precedent and Regional Concerns

This latest development draws parallels to the initial phases of Russia's large-scale invasion of Ukraine. At that time, Russian President Vladimir Putin had publicly expressed an interest in recruiting as many as 16,000 fighters from the Middle East. Reports subsequently indicated that approximately 2,000 regular Syrian troops were sent to Russia, particularly during Moscow's period of staunch support for the Bashar al-Assad regime in Syria.

Jordan's firm stance in this matter underscores its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its citizens and upholding its national sovereignty in the face of complex international conflicts and recruitment drives.