In order to strengthen the ranks of the army, Moscow has implemented a communications campaign to attract new recruits. To achieve this, the authorities notably placed advertising panels in metros and announced a significant increase in salaries of up to six times the average salary in Russia.
Will money help the Russian army attract new recruits in its ranks? In any case, this is the measure that seems to have been taken by the country’s authorities.
According to information from TF1info, a major communication campaign was set up in Russia to recruit new soldiers. This includes advertising panels in metros or at ticket terminals. The country also tackled to the Russians’ wallets by promising up to 6 times the average salary in the country, the equivalent of 52,000 euros per year.
A sum that divides
However, while the sum is significant, this decision is divisive in Russia. Indeed, our colleagues were able to meet Russians whose opinions are quite divided. “It’s good, but it’s not an incredible amount considering the danger. You can offer me any amount, I won’t go at any price“declares one of them.
For others, money is not a real reason to fight and rather evokes patriotism. “It wasn’t the salary that convinced me, it was the patriotism. Money is a bonus. In general, people use it to buy the house, the car or for the children’s education. confides a settled man in Bashkiria, a republic where people live the Bashkirs, a national minority largely present in the ranks of the Russian army, our colleagues specify.
“The homeland must be protected. I find that the balance is good, but it’s not enough to take care of yourself when you get home.”adds a young person who has already been on the front and who is returned injured.
A bounty spent on the front
Finally, our colleagues from TF1 were able to meet a former member of Wagner, this private militia which was under the orders Evgueni Viktorovitch Prigojine before he dies in 2023. While this mercenary has already been to Ukraine, he says he also wants to return there out of patriotism.
Concerning the salary offered by the authorities, he admits that it is often squandered on the front. “When your first salary falls, you may be asked to sacrifice it. The commander said: ‘Guys, we have to buy this and that. So, we collect the money and deposit it in a common fund. If we need something, even socks, we buy for everyone. The same if you have to buy fuel or a good anti-drone system.”
