Russia recruits mercenaries in the Balkans with a salary of 3,000 euros

The North Macedonian citizen Jovan K. traveled to Moscow in October of this year, but not to visit the capital of the Russian Federation. He had previously communicated via the internet platform Telegram with a person who introduced himself as a recruiter for the Russian army. After intensive communication, the recruiter managed to convince Jovan K. to join a newly formed unit of the Russian army intended for combat in Ukraine for a monthly salary of 3,000 euros. He made the decision after being lured by propaganda material he found in closed groups on social networks, which spread content intended to arouse sympathy for Russia.

 After his arrival, the Macedonian citizen stayed with three other foreign nationals for a week, waiting to complete the administrative and medical procedures for joining the Russian army. However, almost a week later, he decided to return to Skopje. On October 11, after landing at Skopje airport, he was immediately detained by the Macedonian authorities. He had returned from Moscow via Belgrade Airport, one of the few airports in Europe that has not suspended air traffic with Russia. It is not clear whether it failed the tests or was returned for another purpose. Later, on November 29, his home was searched by court order, after which he was placed under house arrest for 30 days.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) immediately filed criminal charges against Jovan K. for the offense of “participation in foreign military, police, paramilitary or parapolice formations”.

Recruitment through the Internet

The General Prosecutor’s Office in Skopje also issued an official statement: “Having previously become acquainted via an online communication platform with propaganda material calling for service in the army, police, foreign paramilitary or parapolice formations for the needs of the Russian Federation, the accused came into contact with an unknown person who was introduced to him on behalf of the Russian army to recruit soldiers for service in the Russian army in exchange for a reward of 3,000 euros. The accused expressed his willingness to join a newly formed unit within the Russian army, intended for combat on the military fronts in Ukraine, and traveled from Skopje International Airport via Belgrade to Moscow (Russian Federation) on 05.10.2024.

The Geopost managed to find several pages appearing in various groups on social networks and communication platforms promoting recruitment in the Russian army. One of them states that payment is made in cash and lists the required documents. The contract is for one to five years, with payment depending on the soldier’s experience or role on the battlefield. Other benefits include assistance in purchasing housing, rent compensation, free treatment and rehabilitation in military medical facilities, life and health insurance, two weeks paid leave at least every six months, military pension, etc. .

The information that appears on these recruitment platforms also includes information from the contract, which states that “upon arrival, they will contact the head of the selection office or the unit commander – in writing, according to a standard form”. Among other things, it provides for voluntary entry into military service, the duration of service and “other conditions”.

How many mercenaries are there on the Russian front?

The competent institutions in North Macedonia state that they are not aware of the exact number of citizens involved in the war in Ukraine, which was started by Russian aggression in February 2022. Meanwhile, the Criminal Code provides for prison sentences of four to five years for participation, recruitment or incitement to fight in foreign formations: “Citizen of the Republic of North Macedonia who, contrary to the law, participates in or is trained by foreign armies, police or other armed forces.” Paramilitary or parapolice formations, organized groups or individuals outside the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia are punishable by a prison sentence of at least four years.”

According to the Republic of North Macedonia government, a total of 50 people have been convicted of the crime of participation in foreign armies, police, paramilitary or parapolice formations, 16 of whom are serving their sentences. All are for participating in the wars in the Middle East, where a significant number of Republic of North Macedonia citizens have joined IS and the formations present in Syria and Iraq.

/The Geopost