Russia is offering about £20,000 bonuses through Facebook ads to lure American and British fighters into the Ukraine war, Ukrainian sources say, as Moscow struggles to replace heavy losses. The Sun reported that Moscow is pushing eye-watering payments of about £20,000 to people who sign up for Russia’s army, with recruitment running through social media […] The post Russia dangles £20,000 Facebook bonuses to pull Americans and Brits into Ukraine war appeared first on American Almanac .
Russia is offering about £20,000 bonuses through Facebook ads to lure American and British fighters into the Ukraine war, Ukrainian sources say, as Moscow struggles to replace heavy losses. The Sun reported that Moscow is pushing eye-watering payments of about £20,000 to people who sign up for Russia’s army, with recruitment running through social media ads on Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram. U.S. recruits are usually paid a £20,000 signing bonus and £1,500 a month, according to that account of the drive. Foreigners, including Americans, have turned up among the new fighters on the Ukrainian front. Vitaliy Matvienko, who heads a Ukrainian state project on Russian surrenders, described the pressure behind the pitch. He said Russia is…Open
What does Ukrainian intelligence report regarding the number of foreigners in Russia's ranks?
Ukrainian intelligence has identified nearly 30,000 foreigners from 135 different countries serving in Russia's ranks, though they warn the actual number is likely much higher. They also estimate that 20,000 North Koreans have been sent by Kim Jong-un.
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Who are some of the specific Americans identified as having joined the Russian army?
Identified Americans include Seth William Baker, a former U.S. Marine from Gilbert, Arizona, who was killed on the frontlines; Michael Gloss, the 21-year-old son of a high-ranking U.S. CIA official who was killed in April 2024; and Wilmer Puello-Mota, a 30-year-old former Massachusetts city councilor.
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How are foreign recruits treated regarding their promised compensation and military funds once they arrive at their units?
Vitaliy Matvienko claims that in most cases, the families of killed foreign recruits do not receive the compensation they were promised. Additionally, once foreign fighters reach their military units, they are often told they must contribute a significant part of their salary to a unit "fund" for equipment like drones, vehicles, and fuel, with those who refuse facing threats of execution or beatings.
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What are the reported casualty figures for Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion?
Reports indicate total Russian casualties have reached 1.5 million, which includes 500,000 deaths, over the four years since the major assault began.
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According to Vitaliy Matvienko, why is Russia focusing on recruiting foreigners for the war in Ukraine?
Vitaliy Matvienko, who heads a Ukrainian state project on Russian surrenders, stated that Russia is suffering 30,000 to 40,000 casualties every month and can no longer cover these losses with its own citizens alone. He noted that recruiting foreigners serves a purpose because the deaths of outsiders do not create a negative reaction or backlash within Russian society.
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What specific financial incentives is Russia offering to lure Americans and British citizens into fighting in the Ukraine war through social media ads?
Russia is using Facebook, TikTok, and Telegram ads to offer bonuses of approximately £20,000 to recruits. For U.S. recruits, reports indicate a £20,000 signing bonus and a monthly salary of £1,500.
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