Surge in Russian military enrolment following Crocus City Hall attack
4 April 2024 08:31
Since the terrorist attack at Crocus City Hall, the Russian government has observed a "significant increase" in the number of people wanting to join the military. Most of them wish to avenge the victims of the attack in this way.
On Wednesday, the Russian Ministry of Defence acknowledged that it has seen a "significant increase" in those wanting to sign military service contracts since the terrorist attack in Krasnogorsk.
According to the ministry, in the last 10 days about 16,000 people have signed up for the military on contracts, and on average, 1,700 people a day are going to recruitment offices - reported the Russian portal Meduza.
Conscripts, by law, cannot be sent to fight outside the country's borders. They were not included in the mobilisation of 2022, during which at least 300,000 men were mobilised to fight in Ukraine.
Want to avenge the victims
In the last week, many people have been reporting to selection points. During interviews, they often reveal their reason for joining the military.
Most candidates indicated that their main motivation for signing the contract is the desire to avenge those who died in the tragedy that occurred on March 22, 2024, in the Moscow region - the Russian Ministry of Defence stated in a statement.
Who is behind the attack?
On March 22, terrorists attacked the Crocus City Hall concert hall in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow. The people inside were fired upon, explosives were detonated, and then a fire broke out, resulting in the building's roof collapsing. At least 144 people died.
The terrorist group ISIS-K has claimed responsibility for the attack at Crocus City Hall. It did so shortly after the attack occurred.
Russian authorities insist, without presenting any evidence, that ultimately Ukraine is to blame. Kyiv denied any involvement - reported the portal Meduza.
