By KYIV. Sept 4 (Interfax-Ukraine) – As of the end of June 2023, Russia is turning to citizens of neighboring countries with announcements of recruiting people to participate in hostilities in Ukraine, British intelligence has said.
“Russia likely wishes to avoid further unpopular domestic mobilisation measures in the run up to the 2024 Presidential elections. Exploiting foreign nationals allows the Kremlin to acquire additional personnel for its war effort in the face of mounting casualties,” according to the statement on Twitter by the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
According to intelligence, online adverts have been observed in Armenia and Kazakhstan offering RUB 495,000 ($5,140) in initial payments and salaries from RUB 190,000 ($1,973).
In addition, there have been recruitment efforts in Kazakhstan’s northern Qostanai region, appealing to the ethnic Russian population.
“Since at least May 2023, Russia has approached central Asian migrants to fight in Ukraine with promises of fast-track citizenship and salaries of up to $4,160 USD,” the intelligence said.
In addition, Uzbek migrant builders in Mariupol have reportedly had their passports confiscated upon arrival and been coerced to join the Russian military.
“There are at least six million migrants from Central Asia in Russia, which the Kremlin likely sees as potential recruits,” the agency said.
