Russia has reportedly offered volunteers from Syria between $200 and $300 to fight in its ongoing military onslaught in Ukraine.
Recalls that Russia military operation invaded Ukraine on Thursday February 24.
According to Syrian-based Deir Ezzor, Russia had offered money to volunteers “to go to Ukraine and operate as guards” for six months at a time.
“Deir Ezzor 24 received exclusive information that Russia had instructed to open the door for volunteering for a period of six months, to go to Ukraine and operate as guards, with salaries ranging between 200 and 300 USD, in addition to recruiting mercenaries with wide privileges,” the report said.
The Wall Street Journal cited four United States officials as saying Russia was recruiting fighters from Syria with the hope that their expertise in urban combat can help take the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
The number of Syrians recruited is uncertain as at the time of filing this report, though one official said some were already in Russia preparing.
The Journal report adds that Syrian recruitment by Russia points to a possible escalation of the war.
This development came as Ukraine appealed to foreigners who wanted to fight in its defence, with President Volodmyr Zelensky announcing the creation of the International Legion for anyone wanting to fight Russia in Ukraine.
“Anyone who wants to join the defense of Ukraine, Europe and the world can come and fight side by side with the Ukrainians against the Russian war criminals,” the statement on the presidential website said.
Ukrainian officials had revealed that 3,000 Americans had applied to fight.