Russia seeks military instructors from Crimea for African deployments, Ukrainian Intelligence reports
Russia is looking for military instructors in Crimea for deployment to African countries (Photo: Getty Images)
Russia is forming units of so-called military instructors for further deployment in African countries. The Kremlin aims to expand its influence in the region, according to the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
"Persistent recruitment efforts are being conducted by Moscow, even in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, particularly in the temporarily occupied Crimea," the statement reads.
It is noted that contracts are offered to sign for reserve military personnel of the occupation army of the Russian Federation—specialists in servicing Russian-made air defense systems, military sailors, and some other specialists in the military-technical sphere.
Why Russia wants to send military personnel to Africa
The agreements are designed for several years with a monthly salary comparable to the financial compensation of Russian occupiers fighting against Ukraine.
"Mercenaries are attracted not only by high earnings but also by the opportunity to avoid participation in the war against our state, which entails high risks of death," the military intelligence writes.
In intelligence, it is clarified that the goal of sending the corresponding contingent by Russia is seen as an expansion of its influence in Africa.
Russia-Africa relations
Earlier, the Institute for the Study of War reported that Russia planned to sign agreements on military cooperation with several more African countries.
In November, Bloomberg also reported that Russia would start sending free grain shipments to Africa to give new impetus to Russia's efforts to strengthen its influence on the continent.
The National Resistance Center also reported that Russian occupiers were preparing an expedition to Africa to search for and train mercenaries to participate in the war against Ukraine.
