Russia is continuing its efforts to recruit foreign nationals to join its military for the war in Ukraine, according to a U.K. intelligence update on Monday.
The most recent recruitment attempt includes an English-language leaflet inviting foreigners to join a “special” unit in the Russian Army. It offers a monthly salary of $2,200, a signing bonus of $2,000, a Russian passport, free medical treatment, and training, the U.K. Ministry of Defence stated.
In mid-2023, online recruitment advertisements specifically targeted citizens of neighboring countries like Armenia and Kazakhstan, offering a monthly salary of $1,973 and signing bonuses of $5,140.
Russia has also been accused of recruiting migrants from countries like India and Nepal, with claims that some may have been coerced or lured under false pretenses with financial incentives to fight in Ukraine.
The U.K. Ministry of Defence suggested that Russia is exploring these international recruitment avenues to avoid further domestic mobilization efforts, which could be unpopular due to significant casualties in the conflict. According to the ministry, Russian losses are currently estimated at 913 personnel per day.