Syrians in Russia to choose between fighting in Ukraine or deportation
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Russian authorities offer illegal refugees the option of either fighting with its army in Ukraine or to be deported back to Syria, two Syrian refugees told North Press on Sunday.
A Syrian migrant from Deir ez-Zor told North Press that he legally entered Russia, but unfortunate weather conditions prevented him from continuing his journey to European Union countries.
A big number of illegal Syrian immigrants are seeking to reach European Union countries through Russia.
After his visa expired, the young Syrian man was arrested at a checkpoint. The Russian authorities then gave him the option of deportation or joining the Russian army.
Joining the Russian army entails a monthly salary of $2,400 and the possibility of marrying a Russian wife, if the volunteer wanted to in exchange for six months of service with the Russian army in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, another immigrant said that the fear of being deport to Syria forces many young men to accept the Russian offer, whereas there is a significant number of young men who join the Russian Army for the monthly salary, which is considered high compared to salaries in Syria amid the economic crisis.
He said that he saw approximately 300 Syrians dressed in military attire before heading to the frontlines in Ukraine.
Recently, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree allowing individuals serving in the Russian army from Syria, Ukraine, Yemen, Iraq, and Afghanistan to obtain Russian citizenship.