The Russian military is actively recruiting Egyptians to support its frontline operations in Ukraine, according to Kyiv’s Operational Tactical Group. “Foreign volunteers” are being deployed in embattled Kharkiv Oblast to conduct hostilities as part of Moscow’s strategy to induct mercenaries from countries with “difficult economic situations.” Before Egypt, Africans, Syrians, and Kazakhs were targeted in the recruitment drive, with a Nepali citizen admitting over 3,000 Nepalis joined the Russian Army.
The recruitment scheme promised high sign-on bonuses, allowances, military training, health insurance, and Russian passports to foreign recruits. The enticing offers included bonuses up to 495,000 Russian rubles ($5,300) and a monthly salary of up to 190,000 rubles ($2,000). The main reason for joining was to make money, as illustrated by a captured POW from Nepal.
The reports of Egyptians on Ukrainian front lines come amid Moscow’s frontline strength depletion due to Kyiv’s intensifying attacks. Ukrainian Armed Forces claimed nearly 8,220 personnel and 1,424 pieces of military equipment were lost by invading forces in the past week. UK Ministry of Defence intelligence reported 70,000 Russian Army casualties in the past two months, attributing the increase in losses to Moscow’s decision to open a new front in Kharkiv while maintaining pressure on other parts of Ukraine.
