In Russia, since last month’s deadly attack on a concert hall in Moscow suburbs, the number of people who have signed contracts to join the armed forces has increased significantly, on Wednesday, April 3, referring to the information reported by the Ministry of Defense. Reuters.
More than 100,000 people have signed contracts with the military since the start of the year, including about 16,000 in the past ten days, the statement said.
“In the interviews held last week at the selection points in Russian cities, the majority of candidates indicated the desire to take revenge for the deaths in the tragedy that happened on March 22, 2024 in Moscow, as the main motive for concluding the contract,” the ministry’s report quoted.
At least 144 people lost their lives in the mass shooting and subsequent fire at the Crocus City Hall concert hall, which was claimed by the Islamic State militant group. Russia claims the attackers are linked to Ukraine, but Kiev denies any connection, a position Russia has also rejected in the US.
Russia relies on the continuous influx of new soldiers into its armed forces to maintain the ongoing hostilities in Ukraine.
Posters in Russian cities hail soldiers fighting in Ukraine as patriots and heroes, and many of those who sign up are lured by the much higher salaries they can earn as civilians.
Russia has moved slowly over the past two months after a Ukrainian counteroffensive last year failed to make significant progress.
Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced last month that Moscow would strengthen its army by the end of this year, adding two new armies and 30 new formations.
Also read: Putin says the concert attack was carried out by Islamists; points out that Ukraine also played a role
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