Russia's defence ministry has launched a new advertisement campaign, trying to attract 'real men' to volunteer for its ongoing mobilisation drive for its 'special operation' in Ukraine. According to reports, Russia's defence ministry aims to mobilise four lakh volunteers to strengthen its forces in Ukraine.
United Kingdom's defence intelligence reported on Sunday that advertisements have been put up on Russian social media sites, on billboards, and on TV and “the new adverts appeal to potential recruits’ masculine pride, appealing for ‘real men’, as well as highlighting the financial benefits of joining up.” According to the report, private mercenary group Wagner is also competing to recruit men from the limited pool of Russian fighting-age group since authorities have stopped Wagner's access to prisoner recuritment.
“It remains highly unlikely that the campaign will attract the MoD’s reported target of 4,00,000 volunteers. The authorities are almost certainly seeking to delay any new, overt mandatory mobilisation for as long as possible to minimise domestic dissent,” British Intelligence reported.
Reuters reported that the ad invites men to sign a contract with the Russian Defence Ministry for a salary starting at 2,04,000 roubles ($2,495) a month. According to reports, posters seeking professional soldiers have sprung up in the Russian capital in recent weeks offering honourable profession and decent pay. "Our Profession is to defend the Motherland,” read posters looking for gunners, sappers, military medics, drivers and tank commanders, Reuters reported.
