Russia intensifies war funding and recruitment amid Ukrainian drone strikes

Russian drone strikes Belarusian recruitment Russian budget deficit Ukraine war funding Kyiv attacks

Russia has intensified its efforts to recruit Belarusian citizens for the war in Ukraine, utilizing social media platforms like Telegram and Viber to offer high wages, housing, and Russian citizenship. These recruitment drives specifically target individuals facing economic difficulties or legal issues. While recruiters claim the service is legal, Belarusian law classifies mercenary activity as a criminal offense punishable by up to seven years in prison.

In Ukraine, Russian drone strikes on September 27 caused multiple casualties. An attack on the Stolichny food market near Kyiv left two people dead and four injured. Other strikes in Kyiv and the Zaporizhzhia region resulted in further deaths and injuries, including children.

To fund the ongoing conflict and address a rising budget deficit, which exceeded 60 billion euros in the first half of the year, the Russian government has announced plans to increase consumer taxes. Economic growth in Russia has slowed significantly, with a projected growth rate of only 0.6% for the year, as the Kremlin faces shrinking financial reserves and the impact of international sanctions.

Entities

Belarus · Russia · Russia · Ukraine · Vitali Klitschko · Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[DISPUTED] A Russian strike hit the Stolichny food market near Kyiv, resulting in two deaths and four injuries. 24-ore.com
[DISPUTED] Russian drone strikes killed at least four people in Ukraine on September 27, including one in Kyiv and three in the Zaporizhzhia region. www.topalbaniaradio.com
[● 2 SOURCES] Russia's federal budget deficit exceeded 60 billion euros in the first half of the year. abcnews.al · javanews.al
[● 2 SOURCES] The Russian government has decided to increase consumer taxes to fund the war in Ukraine. abcnews.al · javanews.al
[● 2 SOURCES] Russia is increasing recruitment efforts for Belarusian citizens using social media, promising high wages and Russian citizenship. sinjali.com · www.balkanweb.com