Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree on Thursday, the 4th of January, allowing foreign citizens fighting on Russia’s side in Ukraine during its so-called “special military operation” to obtain Russian citizenship for themselves and their spouses, children, and parents the basis of documents proving at least one year of conscription, reports Reuters.
According to the decree, published on the Russian government’s website, it applies to people who sign contracts with the armed forces or other military groups like Wagner, creating an additional incentive for foreigners with military experience to join the Russian armed forces
Moscow does not disclose how many foreigners are fighting on its side in Ukraine.
BNN previously reported on cases where Cuba arrested 17 people for trafficking Cubans to fight for Russia in Ukraine, or when Ten people were arrested in Nepal for recruiting local youth into the Russian army, indicating the involvement of foreign fighters in exchange for payments.
The declassified US intelligence report indicates that Russia has lost 315 000 soldiers since the start of the Ukrainian war, which is around 90% of its military.
Despite rumours of a possible new mobilisation, the Kremlin insists it is not necessary as hundreds of thousands of men have voluntarily signed professional service contracts.
Neither Russia nor Ukraine has disclosed the extent of its losses in the 22-month war. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced last month that his military had proposed mobilising another 450 000 – 500 000 people, and Kyiv’s parliament on Thursday began reviewing a disputed draft law that would tighten and extend mobilisation rules, reports Reuters.
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