Russian Embassy in Tehran Refutes Claims of Fake Recruitment Ads on Social Media
The Russian Embassy in Tehran has officially rejected claims made in a widely shared social media advertisement that purportedly invites Iranian citizens to enlist in the Russian armed forces to participate in the conflict in Ukraine for financial incentives.
In a statement released via its Telegram channel on Tuesday, the embassy indicated that the advertisement was posted by unidentified individuals aiming to exploit the situation for profit. The message allegedly targeted Iranian men and youth aged 18 to 45, offering contracts for service in what is referred to as the "special military operation zone"—a term used to describe Ukraine—in exchange for substantial financial rewards.
The embassy characterized these messages as entirely fraudulent and of a criminal nature, clarifying that neither the embassy nor any official Russian organization is associated with the advertisement. The statement urged Iranian citizens to report any such messages to local security agencies and police, cautioning against potential scams.
Furthermore, the embassy reiterated that any legitimate communication would only occur through recognized and trusted channels, advising the public to disregard any advertisements or documents not disseminated through official platforms.
The fraudulent advertisement, titled "Recruitment in the Russian Army," allegedly promised applicants an initial payment of $20,000, along with a monthly salary of $2,000, and covered expenses for travel, visas, accommodation, and meals. Tasks mentioned included roles such as operating drones.
This incident has led to widespread skepticism and negative reactions among users on Persian-speaking social media platforms, many of whom questioned the advertisement's authenticity from the outset.
In related commentary, Radio Free Europe noted that the recruitment of foreign mercenaries for the conflict in Ukraine typically occurs through unofficial channels rather than direct recruitment by the Russian government.
