Russia expands global recruitment as prison enlistments grow
Russian emissaries are seeking volunteers worldwide to fight in Ukraine, claims Ukrainian military officer Vladyslav Seleznov. Recruitment efforts also extend to Russian prisons.
Main information
- Russian emissaries are actively searching for volunteers to fight in Ukraine worldwide.
- Recruitment efforts are also targeting Russian prisons.
- Many recruits do not survive long enough to receive their first paycheque.
Russian emissaries worldwide
Lieutenant Colonel in Reserve Vladyslav Seleznov reveals that Russia is aggressively pursuing volunteers to fight in Ukraine. Emissaries from Russia are working globally to recruit individuals willing to engage in the conflict. These recruiting efforts are widespread, including within Russian prisons.
Recruitment in prisons and in Crimea
Vladyslav Seleznov highlights the significant interest in contract signing to fight in the occupied region of Crimea. Many sign up for service, often not living to receive their first paycheque, and serving as "cannon fodder."
- Russian emissaries are literally scouring every country in the world, looking for individuals willing to earn money by killing Ukrainians - said Lieutenant Colonel in Reserve of the Ukrainian Navy Vladyslav Seleznov in an interview with Ukrainian Radio.
Vladyslav Seleznov points out the presence of Chinese mercenaries within the Russian armed forces. The Ukrainian military has captured two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia. The Chinese individuals claim they were recruited by intermediaries and had no direct contact with Chinese authorities.
International reactions
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukrainian intelligence possesses information regarding Chinese soldiers fighting for Russia. However, Beijing has not condemned Moscow for the invasion of Ukraine, and a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry described these reports as "irresponsible."
Over the past years, Russia and China have strengthened their economic, military, and political relations. Nonetheless, the involvement of Chinese mercenaries in the Russian military is raising controversies and questions about the future of these relations.
