Russia has seen a significant increase in the number of people signing contracts to join the armed forces since last month’s deadly attack on a concert hall in the near Moscow, on Wednesday, the 3rd of April, citing the Ministry of Defence, reports Reuters.
More than 100 000 people have signed contracts with the army since the beginning of the year, including about 16 000 in the last ten days, the statement said.
“In interviews held last week at selection points in Russian cities, the majority of candidates cited the desire to avenge the deaths in the tragedy that took place on the 22nd of March 2024 in Moscow as the main motive for signing a contract,” the ministry report was quoted as saying.
At least 144 people lost their lives in the mass shooting and subsequent fire at the Crocus City Hall concert hall, claimed by the Islamic State militant group. Russia claims that the attackers are linked to Ukraine, but Kyiv denies any involvement, with the US also rejecting Russia’s position.
Russia relies on the continuous recruitment of new soldiers into its armed forces to sustain the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.
Posters in Russian cities praise soldiers fighting in Ukraine as patriots and heroes, and many of those who enlist are tempted by the much higher salaries they can earn as civilians.
Russia has made progress slowly over the last two months after the Ukrainian counter-offensive failed to achieve significant success last year.
Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu announced last month that Moscow would reinforce its army by the end of this year, adding two new armies and 30 new formations.
Also read: Putin says Islamists orchestrated concert attack, implies Ukraine played role
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