Russia entices Syrians to fight in Ukraine using citizenship

The resurgence followed President Putin's decree on January 4, 2024, granting foreigners who enlist to fight for Russia a faster path to obtain Russian citizenship.

The expedited citizenship programme for foreign volunteer fighters was initiated in September 2022. It allowed immigrants who signed contracts for at least a year and served in active hostilities for a minimum of six months to apply for citizenship without demonstrating proficiency in Russian or continuous residency in the country for five years.

Another decree issued in May 2023 further simplified the citizenship conditions, eliminating the requirement for participating in active hostilities for at least six months.

The decree signed this year further accelerated the citizenship process, stipulating that decisions on such applications should be made within a month instead of the previous three-month timeframe.

These frequent changes demonstrate Moscow's desire to replenish its troops in Ukraine through various methods, including the recruitment of migrants.

In this context, the video showcasing Syrians swiftly granted Russian citizenship was crafted and circulated to amplify the impact of these policy changes.

Russia's propaganda has also aimed at local audiences, claiming that Syrians are joining out of gratitude to Russia for its assistance during the civil war and are, therefore, repaying the debt.

Reasons to join

However, the increase in Syrians eager to enlist isn't solely due to Russian propaganda; rather, it's driven by a combination of economic challenges, limited opportunities, and ongoing instability in their home country.

Consequently, the allure of substantial wages, particularly in comparison to local earnings, and the promise of a more stable future for their families serve as compelling incentives for individuals who perceive few alternatives.

Furthermore, reports suggest that Russia and its intermediaries are resorting to deceptive tactics to entice Syrians into their ranks. Initially, Syrians are reportedly promised employment as security guards at oil refineries or mines in Yakutia, a region "with vast resources but limited manpower".

These promises come with the lure of a monthly salary of around two thousand dollars, along with expedited Russian citizenship.

However, once enlisted, many find themselves coerced into frontline combat duty. It has been pointed out that contracts signed by recruits upon reaching Russia are in Russian, a language unfamiliar to them, which makes it easier for them to agree to be deployed to Ukraine unknowingly.

While Syrians seem enticed by these incentives, the exact scale of Syrian recruits enlisted since the new decree was issued in January remains unclear.

Informed sources have noted that at least three shipments of Syrian recruits, each ranging between 40 and 80 men, have been transported to Russia over the past three months.

These recruits hailed from various provinces, including Suwayda, Damascus, and Homs. Additionally, sources have indicated that hundreds of Syrians have registered their names with local brokers, anticipating imminent travel to Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian intelligence sources report that the initial group, comprising approximately 1,000 mercenaries, is currently undergoing training in preparation for their transfer to Russia.

However, the proliferation of fraudsters posing as Russian intermediaries collecting registration fees or bribes complicates verifying the actual number of Syrians who will manage to make the trip.

No shortage of enlisters

Nevertheless, the reported rush to register names through recruiters suggests no shortage of Syrian enlisters if these recruitment operations are to be scaled up by Russia.

The specifics of the journey taken by the recruits from Syria to Russia remain elusive, complicating efforts to verify the conflicting reports circulating on this matter.

Ukrainian Intelligence sources claim that training is underway on Syrian soil near Aleppo and the "Kuweires" airfield, focusing on urban combat operations.

After completing their training, the Syrian mercenaries are slated to be transported to the Khmeimim airbase, then onward to Moscow.

Upon arrival, they are issued Russian passports in the city of Ulan-Ude. After that, certified mercenaries are mobilised to the 5th Separate Guards Tank Brigade (Military Unit 46108) in Ulan-Ude, where they will participate in combat operations in Ukraine.

However, Syrian news outlets have outlined two potential routes to Russia. The first route involves travel from the Khmeimim airbase in Latakia to Moscow, while the second route is through Damascus airport to the Russian capital.

Upon reaching Russia, Syrians reportedly enter into contracts with the Ministry of Defence in exchange for Russian citizenship, obtain passports from the region's authorities, and undergo basic language courses.

Subsequently, they are enrolled in training camps affiliated with the Russian army before being deployed to the frontlines.

The variations in the accounts of the Syrian recruits' journey may stem from the intermediaries through whom they are recruited.

Additionally, discrepancies could arise based on the location of recruitment, as Syrians residing in Russia, like other immigrants, have allegedly faced pressure to sign enlistment contracts to prevent deportation to their home country.

Risky road ahead

While the flow of Syrian recruits from Russia to Ukraine remains relatively restrained, Moscow's continued desperation for manpower, coupled with the resolve of many Syrians to flee their country at all costs, strongly suggests potential risky developments ahead.

However, the ripple effects of the Syrian conflict and its continuous production of mercenaries won't stop with Ukraine.

Until a resolution is achieved, the persistent lack of economic opportunities and domestic instability will continue to drive young Syrian men to be utilised as commodities for export to other conflict zones – a resource that Russia, among others, will undoubtedly continue to exploit.