US Zeroes In on Philippines to Recruit Mercs for Ukraine - Russian Foreign Ministry
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US has initiated a campaign to recruit hired guns in the Philippines to fight for Ukraine, with the German Embassy in Manila facilitating their travel by issuing Schengen visas, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Thursday.
"According to incoming information, US representatives have launched a campaign in the Philippines to recruit local citizens to fight on the side of the Ukrainian armed forces ... Preference is being given to former employees of Philippine security agencies and retired military personnel. Applicants are promised a monthly salary of $5,000," Zakharova told at a briefing.
The US-run recruitment drive, operated by a Florida-based security agency, includes training by American instructors and the issuance of German Schengen visas for recruits before they are sent to the conflict zone, the spokeswoman added.
"A work Schengen visa is provided by the consular section of the German Embassy in Manila," Zakharova revealed.
