Imagine being so bad off that this seems like a good deal.

[4th]

Russian army recruitment drops 80% in Moscow — as fighters from Asia and Africa fill the ranks for cash
https://nypost.com/2025/01/29/world-news/russian-army-recruitment-drops-80-in-moscow/

The number of Russians signing up to fight in Ukraine at Moscow recruitment centers have dropped 80% over the last six months, according to a new report.

Instead, more and more foreigners are signing up in exchange for the enlistment payout of nearly $20,000.

Recruitment centers in the Russian capital are seeing about 40 applicants a day, a significant drop from the summer frenzy when more than 200 recruits signed up each day, the local Verstka magazine reports.

...

[Norrrm]

1. Blackwater? (and a couple of name changes later)

After all, "Russia is our friend" is the meme from Trump's time.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

2. Putin cannot recruit enough replacements for these losses

[GoCubsGo]

3. I wonder how many of them will take the money and run.

I have seen multiple reports that the levels of desertion are "unprecedented." They've had whole regiments bug out on them. Those foreigners have no loyalty, and there's no reason for them to stick around long after they get paid.