Russia is recruiting soldiers abroad online, with promotion in English and in a breezy, casual manner, explaining how to join a welcoming, trustworthy organization.
The website’s promo adopts a Madison Avenue sales pitch: “So, if you’re itching to start running with a brand new AK-12 in notorious Ratnik-2 battle gear, here is what you need to know and what you need to do.”
Then it covers all aspects of becoming a Russian soldier that an adventurous potential soldier abroad would need to know. Owning Russian citizenship is not a barrier. In fact, the recruitment promotion says that “any citizenship will work for you”.
But if you’re looking to become a Russian citizen, it’s stipulated that after five years of service, one becomes eligible for a Russian passport. But just recently, Putin signed a decree fast-tracking naturalization for foreigners joining.
Specifically, “foreigners who sign contracts for at least one year and then spend at least six months in armed conflict zones during which they are SERIOUSLY WOUNDED (u/c Ed.) will be eligible to obtain Russian citizenship in a simplified and expedited way”. Is getting wounded for quick citizenship an enticement?
(Pikemalt saab lugeda Eesti Elu 18. novembri 2022 paber- ja digilehest)
