Russia recruits mercenaries abroad – GUR

The Russian Federation is looking for mercenaries in Somalia, Sierra Leone, Nepal, Syria and Cuba for the war against Ukraine. The representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Andrey Yusov, said this on Tuesday, February 13, during a telethon.

Yusov noted that Russia recruits residents of countries where the income of citizens is low.

“Russia offers the men there an easy and quick income, without explaining where they will be sent,” the intelligence officer said.

He noted that “the majority of the governments of the states where the work of the networks of Russian recruiters has been recorded publicly condemn such activities and even diplomatically issue statements and appeals to their citizens not to agree to such cooperation.”

“But in low-income countries, the 1.5 – 2 thousand offered by the aggressor, along with the promise that it will not be participation in hostilities, but a kind of security, may seem attractive to some people,” added he.

Speaking about the reasons for this, the representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate indicated that the Russians were guided by financial and political gain.

“It is more profitable and cheaper for Russia to find mercenaries abroad than to continue mobilization activities inside the country. They fear destabilization. And financially it is cheaper than providing for its military,” concluded Yusov.

Russia recruited about 15 thousand Nepalese into its ranks, offering them $2,000 for their service.

To expand its influence in Africa, Russia plans to create an expeditionary force of 20 thousand mercenaries instead of Wagner PMC militants.