According to the Kremlin, 16,000 volunteers from the Middle East want to fight for Moscow in Ukraine. It is unclear whether they will then only be cannon fodder or real support for Putin’s army.
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Dunya Ramadan
They stand in rank and file, Syrians in government uniforms, some wearing the Russian “Z” (“za pobedu”, for victory) in front of their chests, some carrying a gun, others waving the Russian flag. They all yell: “We will defend you with our soul, with our blood, oh Bashar.” On huge posters, Putin raises his hand in greeting, with Assad smiling next to him. This video is currently being distributed by the Russian Ministry of Defense. The authenticity cannot be verified, but the message is clear: These are just a few of the alleged 16,000 volunteers from the Middle East who will go to Ukraine for Russia.