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Russia is hiring Syrian mercenaries to join with the Russian forces in Ukraine. They are reportedly going to be stationed in the Donbas region.

In Ukraine, a large number of Syrians may be needed as battlefield replacements. Thousands of Russian soldiers are dead or wounded. And there is an urgent need to replenish troops.

Last week, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby, said that the Wagner Group was recruiting at least 1,000 Syrian mercenaries to fight Ukraine. The Wagner Group is a Russian military contractor, that has deployed as soldiers-for-hire to wars in Libya, Azerbaijan, and the Central African Republic. And they will ultimately be deployed in Ukraine.

Mr. Kirby added that Wagner is trying to recruit from Arab countries. And this includes Syria and Libya. In the past, Russia has sent Syrian mercenaries to Venezuela, where Moscow has oil industry interests.

According to The New York Times, the Syrian soldiers are being sent to Russia or Belarus for training, prior to being sent to Ukraine.  And all recruits are vetted by the Syrian security services before they are deployed.

Syrian mercenaries being paid to fight

After decades of war, in a broken economy, Syria has become one of the largest exporters of mercenaries.

Approximately 300 soldiers are known as the Tiger Forces. They are currently serving in the 25th Division of the Syrian Army. And are known as an experienced and elite team. And they have been working closely with Russian officers in other war fronts.

 The Russians have offered the Tiger Forces top pay of $1,200 a month for six months. And they will receive a $3,000 bonus when they return to Syria. If they are killed-in-action their families will receive the bonus.

If the Tiger Forces are the best, the combined militia is still in disarray. So far it has 85 men signed up and training in Russia. They come primarily from Lebanon, Iraq and Syria.

There is a lot of competition for mercenary jobs. Some of the newly minted soldiers are willing to risk their lives for salaries they could not make in their home countries. An average soldier in the Syrian Army earns on average $100 a month.

Applicants are 20 to 45-years-old. And should weigh between 110 and 200 pounds. Previous military experience is a high priority.  

“In general, money's the motivation,” said Bassam Alahmad. As the head of the advocacy group Syrians for Truth and Justice, he claims to have researched the Syrian mercenary trade. And found that some Syrians feel loyalty to Russia because it supported President al-Assad.

 Other candidates desperately need the money. And believe recruiters’ promises who promise they will be non-combatants. And they will be guarding bases or oil facilities.

“Some people don’t mind fighting, but there are groups that are definitely taking advantage of people’s needs,” Mr. Alahmad said. “The result is the same: People are paying this price. People are participating in wars that aren’t theirs.”

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