The involvement of Azerbaijani citizens in the Russia-Ukraine war is no longer a secret. There are reports of dozens of Azerbaijani citizens having died in the war to date. Announcements disseminated through various unofficial channels and social networks, as well as coordinating individuals, play a significant role in the involvement of our compatriots in military operations.
Modern.az reports that, particularly on "VK.com" and "Telegram" platforms, military service offers with attractive conditions are being posted, using the name of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
The disseminated announcements offer contract-based service to citizens of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other CIS countries. The conditions appear quite "generous."
Thus, upon signing the contract, a mercenary is immediately given a one-time payment of 1,500,000 rubles (approximately 28,000 AZN), and a monthly salary of up to 210,000 rubles (approximately 4,000 AZN) is allocated. Furthermore, simplified acquisition of Russian citizenship is promised after just 6 months of service.
Among the offered positions are assault groups, drone operators, mine clearers, and drivers (categories C, D, E). However, the reality behind these promises is more deplorable. Recent statistics show that Azerbaijanis who go to the front lines through this route are sent to the hottest spots, and mortality rates among them are extremely high.
The most serious aspect of the matter is legal responsibility. According to the legislation of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the participation of our citizens as mercenaries or volunteers in military formations of foreign countries or in conflict zones is considered a grave crime. For these acts, penalties of imprisonment for a certain period (from 8 to 20 years) or life imprisonment are stipulated.
Experts urge citizens not to be deceived by such "material promises" and not to risk both their lives and their legal futures. These types of announcements encountered on social networks are, in fact, in many cases, an irreversible "death ticket."
