Training in Pskov, promise to cancel loans and criminal records, but not a word about the most important thing. How Belarusians are recruited for war
In local Viber chats, offers are being circulated to sign a contract with the Ministry of Defense of Russia — for this, they automatically promise 35 thousand dollars in hand, as well as the cancellation of loans and criminal records.
Screenshots from one of the local communities where the recruitment offer for Belarusians appeared
Offers are sent from a Belarusian number, signed "Mikhail". The VKontakte profile of Anatol Bogdanau, a resident of the Vitebsk region, is linked to the phone number mentioned in the "vacancy". On his page, the number is still listed as a contact. Earlier, it was registered to a citizen Hanna V.
According to information received by "Nasha Niva" from "Belpol", Bogdanau, a native of Polatsk, had a criminal record under Article 380 of the Criminal Code (document forgery).
Anatol Bogdanau. Photo from VKontakte page
In correspondence with a "Nasha Niva" journalist, the so-called "Mikhail" stated that he represents the website easykontrakt.com and that the Ministry of Defense of Russia needs a whole range of specialists — according to him, "from riflemen, snipers, sappers, mechanics, drivers, radio operators to storekeepers, paramedics, and those who will throw grenades." For all these roles, training is provided, which takes place in Pskov.
"You can start undergoing a medical examination even today. Accommodation, food, transport, and an employee (escort — NN) we provide," clarified the interlocutor. "You will sign the contract at the selection point."
Rates for contract service on easykontrakt.com. Candidates aged 18 to 64 are eligible for service
When asked to show a sample contract, "Mikhail" refused.
When we called the man by voice, he again introduced himself as Mikhail, stating that he was a kind of manager in the matter of supplying Belarusians to Russia. This work was started by him "half a year ago".
"This is not some Vasya or Valera from Ukraine, this is a state contract, everything is serious."
To the question about the awareness of responsibility for potentially sending Belarusians to war, the interlocutor denied, saying that "no one forces anyone, everything is voluntary." He also added that he "does not want political conversations." At this point, the dialogue ended.
Contact of the manager from the Russian Ministry of Defense on Telegram
The announcement states that the offer "is not mercenary activity". However, in the Criminal Code of Belarus, punishment for participation in combat operations abroad is regulated by two main articles — 133 and 361‑3 — and provides for up to seven years of imprisonment if the purpose was financial reward.
An analysis of open data shows that the life expectancy in Russian assault units ranges from two weeks to a couple of months. Russian army losses are very high. As of June 5, the names of 225,019 Russian servicemen who died were known. Inheritance case statistics suggest that the total number of killed exceeded 352 thousand people. Recruiters, including Mikhail, do not mention this.
Here are recent real stories of Belarusians who were recruited for the war in Ukraine:
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