Thu 03 August 2023:
Internet ads have popped up in Kazakhstan offering an immediate payment of more than $5,000 to join the Russian army, the Reuters news agency reports.
The former Soviet republic has traditionally been one of Russia’s closest allies; however, Astana has not supported Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine and has called for peace.
The ads seen by Reuters feature Russian and Kazakh flags and the slogan “shoulder to shoulder”.
Along with a one-off payment of 495,000 Russian roubles ($5,300), those who sign up will receive a monthly salary of at least 190,000 roubles ($2,000) and undisclosed extra benefits.
Potential recruits will be offered a chance to join the army in the Sakhalin region in Russia’s Far East.
But joining military conflicts abroad for pay is illegal under Kazakh law.
More than 230,000 people enlist in Russian army: Medvedev
Since the start of the year, Russia has enlisted more than 230,000 additional personnel into the army, Moscow’s Deputy Security Council Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said.
This year, Moscow has ramped up military recruitment to beat back an ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive and hold previously captured territories.
“According to the Ministry of Defence, from 1 January to 3 August… a total of more than 231,000 people have been accepted for contract service,” said Medvedev.
Moscow hopes to lure Russians to join the army with financial incentives instead of beginning a formal mobilisation drive.
While authorities have not disclosed their targets, various estimates say Moscow could be trying to recruit about 400,000 people.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
______________________________________________________________
FOLLOW INDEPENDENT PRESS:
TWITTER (CLICK HERE)
https://twitter.com/IpIndependent
FACEBOOK (CLICK HERE)
https://web.facebook.com/ipindependent
Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!
