Amid massive losses in Ukraine, Russia recruiting mercenaries in Africa - British intel
That’s according to the British Defense Ministry, referring to intelligence reports, Ukrinform learned.
"On 28 May, 2024, Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence (HUR) reported that Russia has intensified attempts to recruit Africans to fight in Ukraine. In particular these recruitment efforts focus on the central African countries of Rwanda, Burundi, Congo and Uganda. Russia is reportedly offering a sign-up bonus of $2,000, monthly pay of $2,200 and the promise of a Russian passport," the report said.
The Ministry of Defense added that the ongoing recruitment campaign is likely to replace Russian battlefield losses, “which are significant”, and to sustain offensive activity in multiple axes across the front.
“With Russia’s finite pool of convict recruitment likely culminated, Russia is likely expanding its recruitment across the global south, to avoid additional mobilisations within Russia itself. As well as being domestically unpopular for President Putin and the Russian government, the previous mobilization for the war resulted in a record labour shortage and an exodus of skilled workers such as doctors and IT professionals," the ministry wrote.
As Ukrinform reported earlier, Russia in 2023 issued 3,037 visas to citizens of Nepal, which marked an absolute record. The boost is likely related to Nepalese nationals being recruited to fight in Ukraine.
