Team News Riveting
Moscow, September 15
As many as 300,000 volunteers have signed contracts with the Russian army since the beginning of this year.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday said during his meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that some 300,000 Russians have signed voluntary service contracts with the Russian army as of now. These people “are ready to sacrifice their lives in the interest of their homeland, protecting Russia’s interests.”
“And, first and foremost, our men, who sign these contracts, are being led by the highest patriotic sentiments. This alone is worthy of respect.” Allegations that Russia has asked North Korea for volunteers to take part in the special military operation are “complete nonsense.” Russia has “no such need to resort to outsourcing the [special] military operation to anybody from the outside”, Putin said, adding that Russia doesn’t need to recruit foreign mercenaries.
He reiterated Moscow’s readiness for talks with Ukraine and called on the Kiev authorities to “stop dancing to the tune of others.” Moscow has “never refused to have talks” with Kiev, Putin said. “So, please – if the other side is willing, let them state that openly.” “But from the other side we hear nothing.”
Talking about the relation with North Korea, Putin said: “One way or another, we have to establish good neighbourly relations. Yes, there are certain peculiarities related to the Korean Peninsula,” which are discussed openly. Moscow never violates “anything and in this case, we will not violate anything.” But, of course, Russia will look for opportunities to strengthen relations with North Korea.
