Twenty-three Gambians have been killed while fighting for Russia in its war against Ukraine, according to data shared with The Republic by investigative journalism organisation Inpact.

The figure represents more than 40 per cent of the 56 Gambians reportedly recruited by the Russian Federation. However, Gambian authorities have officially confirmed 11 deaths.

Many of those recruited were working low-wage jobs in Qatar, Dubai and Belarus at the time they signed contracts with the Russian military.

Others were recruited from within The Gambia, including former soldiers and security officers.

Families of the deceased told The Republic that recruits were promised lucrative contracts, monthly salaries of up to $2,500, Russian citizenship and relocation opportunities for their families.

Several, however, were later deployed to frontline combat units in Ukraine.

Mustapha Badgie, a 33-year-old Gambian who had been working as a driver in Qatar, signed a contract on October 19, 2024.

He was killed on June 16, 2025 after serving in multiple Russian military units, according to records reviewed by The Republic.

Another recruit, Alieu Jatta, 28, also a taxi driver in Qatar with no prior military experience, signed his contract on May 2, 2024 and was killed on April 25, 2025.

Diplomatic sources told The Republic that it has been difficult to obtain official information from Russian authorities regarding the status of Gambian nationals fighting in Ukraine.

The Gambian embassy in Moscow has written to Russia’s foreign ministry requesting that no Gambians be recruited without the consent of the Gambian government.

Families interviewed said they often learned of deaths from colleagues of the deceased rather than through formal notification.

While a reported $100,000 death benefit exists, officials familiar with the process said accessing compensation has been challenging.

So far, Gambian authorities have secured $50,000 each for the families of the 11 officially confirmed deaths. In several cases, bodies have not been repatriated.

Photos reviewed by The Republic show some of the recruits wearing military fatigues without clear Russian insignia, raising questions about their contractual and legal status.

Government officials have expressed concern about the long-term impact of the recruitment of Gambian nationals into the conflict, including the potential return of traumatised fighters and the social consequences for affected families.