Russia reports spike in army recruitment as citizens seek to ‘avenge’ Moscow terrorist attack victims

Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Wednesday that it’s seen a “significant increase” in the number of people seeking to sign contracts for military service since the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack on March 22.

In the last 10 days, according to the ministry, approximately 16,000 people have joined the military under contract, with an average of 1,700 people going to recruitment offices every day.

“In the interviews conducted over the last week at selection points in Russian cities, the majority of candidates have indicated that their main motivation for signing a contract is a desire to avenge those who died in the tragedy that took place on March 22, 2024, in the Moscow region,” read the ministry’s statement.

The terrorist group ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the Crocus City Hall attack almost immediately after it took place, but the Russian authorities have insisted, without providing any evidence, that Ukraine is ultimately to blame. Kyiv has denied any involvement.