Russia looks to recruit Syrians into Ukraine war: report
Source: The Hill
Russian officials are looking to recruit Syrian soldiers to fight in Ukraine as battles are set to intensity in and around major cities, The Wall Street Journal reported. U.S. officials told the Journal that Moscow is specifically recruiting Syrian fighters for their expertise in urban combat fighting.
Troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who is backed by Russia, have been fighting a fierce battle in urban centers for nearly a decade, giving them a skill set hard to find among Russian troops.
One official said while it's unclear how many Syrian fighters will join the battle, some are already in Russia preparing to enter the conflict, per the Journal.
The involvement of Syrian troops would further internationalize a war that began with Russia's invasion on February 24.
Read more: https://thehill.com/policy/international/europe/597096-russia-looks-to-recruit-syrians-into-ukraine-war-report
Russia Recruiting Syrians for Urban Combat in Ukraine, U.S. Officials Say
https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-recruiting-syrians-for-urban-combat-in-ukraine-u-s-officials-say-11646606234
Deuxcents
(15,785 posts)And now these reports.. its his way n hes intent on anything to get it
marie999
(3,334 posts)Russia is helping Syria against the rebels.
Vogon_Glory
(9,086 posts)many markers in the Ukrainian favors bank
Martin68
(22,671 posts)left-of-center2012
(34,195 posts)Syrians have had 10 years experience in urban warfare.
Martin68
(22,671 posts)After all, they have to keep some in reserve to defend the country from the US and other nations.
AlexSFCA
(6,137 posts)Response to AlexSFCA (Reply #5)
left-of-center2012 This message was self-deleted by its author.
AverageOldGuy
(1,464 posts). . . if the Ukrainians are not pissed of now, they will be when Syrians start to arrive. And God help any Syrian fighters captured by Ukrainians.
Jarqui
(10,110 posts)Putin has already added Belarus ...
Oh, as this unfolds, are we supposed to ignore what Trump did in Syria too ?
(I'm sure I'm not the only one who has not forgotten - especially those Syrians who got screwed by Trump)
Skittles
(152,967 posts)they are volunteering
Jarqui
(10,110 posts)Apparently 66,000 have returned to Ukraine and many more are volunteering.
But Putin has no problem inviting Belarus or Syria to the fight yet won't tolerate anyone helping Ukraine.
I'm just pointing out the hypocrisy
onetexan
(12,994 posts)Jarqui
(10,110 posts)Over 66,000 Ukrainian men have returned from abroad to fight, says defence minister
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/ukraine-russia-invasion-men-abroad-b2029212.html
onetexan
(12,994 posts)brush
(53,475 posts)I also heard that some French Foreign Legionaires were going. If foreign fighters on each side get involved this will become a proxy war between Russia and NATO/US.
Russia's not going to be in great shape to hold Ukraine even if they eventually take the capitol and install a puppet president because it takes many more troops to occupy a nation than it takes to invade.
And they've got a long way to go before they get to that point.
Can't recall the name, but the Ukrainian version of the French Foreign Legion. It's getting plenty of volunteers afaik.
Beastly Boy
(9,066 posts)By land, by air or by sea, they will have to go through Turkey, a NATO member state. And how many of them have ever fought outside of Syria? I mean, Russia is having trouble maintaining their own supply lines, how will they manage to supply foreign troops?
IronLionZion
(45,269 posts)I was wondering who if any would join the Russians. It's disturbing to have more countries involved in this conflict on the Russian side.
I don't like where this is heading. Syrians are known for being more brutal than the Russians.
Deminpenn
(15,246 posts)Army. Heard on cable news yesterday that Russia is sending 1000 mercenaries into Ukraine. Now he's asking for Syrians, too.
bdamomma
(63,658 posts)outside forces to Ukraine?? that tells you that those Russian troops were lied into a war, and Putin is killing more people. Syrians should refuse. Putin is edging for a full world scale war.
marie999
(3,334 posts)Russia has been helping the Syrian government fight the rebels.
lagomorph777
(30,613 posts)Ukraine wouldn't be much good to Putin if it's full of ISIS scum.
This is a scorched earth retreat.
Warpy
(110,913 posts)I sincerely doubt there will be more than a few takers, thrill killers who miss combat.
Looks like Russia's army is like North Korea's army, full of conscripts who are taught how to march so they'll look good in big, scary parades but otherwise kept pretty weak so they won't pose a threat to Dear Leader.