Efforts Afoot To Entice Russian Soldiers to Surrender
Ukrainian government offers enemy deserters 5 million rubles apiece
From 5 million rubles, to a work visa in the European Union, to tasty meals and warm beds.
These are just a few of the enticements either suggested — or actually currently being offered — in an attempt to lure beleaguered Russian troops just to give up.
The invasion of Ukraine ordered by Russian leader Vladimir Putin has not gone to plan, and has become much more of a slog for the Russians actually fighting the war in the sovereign, democratic Ukraine.
This has left the Russian military abandoning military equipment and Russian troops to simply give up, according to those knowledgeable with the situation, including Alexander Vindman, the former White House National Security Council official who found himself at the center of the Ukraine political influence scandal which led to Donald Trump's first impeachment.
Vindman, for instance, posted video of Russian forces, in the vicinity of Sumy, Ukraine, marching back to Russian territory.
“The Ukrainian civilians thank them for leaving there equipment and departing peacefully. These troops are likely to be treated far more harshly on the Russian side of the [border],” he tweeted.
The fact that it's troops are abandoning vehicles and, in some cases, walking off the battlefield, is having an effect, said Vindman, also a retired US Army lieutenant colonel.
“Russia has committed its main effort, its main formations, so far with little success. There are many more forces Russia can employ, but it's burning through its premier troops,” he tweeted.
Ukrainian government officials and their allies appear eager to capitalize on this trend of Russian desertion.
The Ukrainian government, in fact, has a very specific offer for Russian soldiers.
According to a US publication, Ukraine's defense minister said, “We offer Russian soldiers a choice: to die in an unjust war or full amnesty and 5 million rubles of compensation (about $50,000, despite the loss in value) if they put down their guns and voluntarily surrender to prison.”
Journalist David Frum, of The Atlantic, would even sweeten the pot.
Every Russian military deserter, or every Russian prisoner of war who surrenders without shooting, should get a 36-month EU or UK work visa, plus a free train ride to a job fair offering work paid in Euros or pounds, according to Frum, who once served as a speechwriter for President George W Bush.
“Who’s in charge of ensuring that the meals served to Russian military deserters are ample and tasty, and that the bedding is warm and comfortable?” Frum asked. “Toss in a prepaid [mobile phone] SIM card to let the folks at home know the soldier is safely on the way to Hamburg, Birmingham, or Barcelona - and to invite the rest of his unit to follow while they can.
“There can't be one Russian soldier in 20 who wants to fight this war,” he added.
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