Ukraine captures first Indonesian POW amid Russian recruitment surge
- Ukraine seized 49‑year‑old Sukamto Ayok in Zaporizhzhia after a drone attack.
- Ayok was tricked by a false construction job offer into signing a Russian military contract.
- Russia recruited about 292 Indonesians in 2026, up from fewer than 10 in prior years.
- Indonesia demanded Moscow stop recruiting its citizens and sought consular access for Ayok.
- Earlier, recruit Taufiq Muhammad was killed in Donetsk after just ten days of training.
Ukrainian forces have captured a 49-year-old Indonesian man, the first prisoner of war from that country, after his unit faced a drone attack in the Zaporizhzhia region. The captive is identified as Sukamto Ayok from Blitar, Java.
Ayok reached Ukrainian-controlled territory after his assault group was hit by a drone strike. Hromadske reported that Ayok was recruited into the Russian army under the guise of a construction job.
This capture marks the first time Ukraine has taken an Indonesian national as a prisoner of war. The capture of an Indonesian national and the discovery of a recruitment network using social media to advertise jobs in Russia highlight Russian recruitment efforts.
Deceptive recruitment: from construction job offer to Russian army contract
A former classmate approached Ayok on May 27, 2026, with an offer for construction work in Russia.
Upon signing the document, officials assigned Ayok to the 39th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade.
Ayok and other Indonesian recruits attempted to escape after learning the truth, but Russian military personnel captured them.
Indonesian authorities discovered a human trafficking syndicate using social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook to lure citizens with jobs in logistics, security, and construction. The network pressured some recruits into signing combat contracts upon arrival in Russia.
Rapid rise in Indonesian volunteers for Russia in 2026
The total number of Indonesian nationals recruited by Russia has reached 292. The Ukrainian state-run project 'I Want to Live' and The Guardian both reported that 283 of these individuals joined in the first nine months of 2026. This reflects a sharp increase compared to the previous three years, when no more than 10 Indonesians were recruited.
Ukraine's foreign intelligence service identified at least eight Indonesian citizens in the Russian military on 27 August.
Ukrainian government data from 22 October identified 45,959 foreign nationals from 151 countries fighting for Russia. This is an increase from the 27,407 individuals from 135 countries recorded on 30 March.
Indonesia and Ukraine press Moscow over illegal enlistments
The Indonesian foreign ministry announced on 31 August that it was investigating potential human trafficking and fraud regarding the recruitment reports. It noted that Indonesians serving in foreign militaries without presidential permission risk losing their citizenship.
The Russian embassy in Jakarta stated on 4 September that the claims were a "propaganda-driven disinformation campaign". It argued that tourist e-visas do not prove military service.
Following the reported death of an Indonesian national in October, the foreign ministry requested that Moscow ensure no further citizens are recruited into the Russian military. Ministry spokesperson Yvonne Mewengkang stated that Indonesia asked Russia "to take all necessary steps to ensure that no Indonesians will be recruited into the Russian military or any other military-related position in Russia through any avenues".
Earlier fatality highlights risks for Indonesian recruits
Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence reported that 48-year-old Taufiq Muhammad was killed in the Donetsk region on 27 October 2026. He died during his first combat engagement after 10 days of training, having been recruited through promises of easy earnings.
The captured Indonesian man claimed he was deceived into joining the Russian military after being promised employment in construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Ukraine Captures First Indonesian POW Recruited by Russia (united24media.com)
- Ukraine captures first Indonesian prisoner of war trying to join Russian assault (independent.co.uk)
- Indonesian (Wikipedia — background) (en.wikipedia.org)
Add NewsPulse Time as a preferred source on Google