On March 12, 2022, Zvezda TV (Russia) aired a report about Syrian fighters volunteering to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine. The reporter explained how recruitment offices have been opened throughout Syria and how soldiers and militia fighters, many of whom have combat experience, have volunteered. The report showed men being issued rifles, bulletproof vests, and other equipment, as the reporter said that an agreement between Russia and Syria enabled currently-serving Syrian soldiers to enter the combat zone in Ukraine. The reporter said: "Russian soldiers gave their blood for Syrian soil, and now it is time [for the Syrians] to help the brotherly [Russians]." The report also showed a large crowd of uniformed and armed fighters holding pro-Russia and pro-Putin posters while chanting: "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, oh Bashar [Al-Assad]!"
To view the clip of the Russian TV report on MEMRI TV, click here or below.
"Throughout [Syria], Recruitment Has Begun For Volunteers For The Russian Special Operation [In Ukraine]... Almost All Of Them Have Significant Combat Experience"
Soldiers: "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, oh Bashar [Al-Assad]!"
Narrator: "Thousands of men in camouflage fatigues and with guns in their hands cant slogans in support of Russia. The fighters hold banners with the letter 'Z' and an image of Vladimir Putin, with the captions in Russian that read 'Russia is in our hearts' and 'The Great Russian Army - we will defeat the Nazis.'"
Soldiers: "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, oh Bashar [Al-Assad]!"
Narrator: "This is not just a rally in support of Russia. Throughout the Arab republic, recruitment has begun for volunteers for the Russian special operation [in Ukraine]. The men come to the recruiting offices, fill out the questionnaires, and sign them. In addition to an assault rifle, each man is given a large equipment-filled backpack and a bulletproof vest.
"It was decided to organize the recruitment of volunteers after many people expressed their desire to come help the Donbas warriors. Dozens of men gather at the recruitment centers. Almost all of them have significant combat experience under their belt. Many are still serving, but thanks to a deal between the two countries' governments, they are temporarily allowed to go into the special operation zone."
"The Special Operation In Ukraine Has United Syrian Society... [Volunteers Include] Government Army Veterans, Christian Militia Fighters, And Former Armed Opposition Fighters"
Reporter: "The special operation in Ukraine has united Syrian society. Those willing to help Russia and the people of Donbas under one flag include government army veterans, Christian militia fighters, and former armed opposition fighters."
Narrator: "There is no doubt on the faces of the volunteers. Russian soldiers gave their blood for Syrian soil, and now it is time to help the brotherly people. The soldiers didn't give interviews, but they said off camera that it was their duty to stand with Russia now."
Soldiers: "With our souls and our blood, we will redeem you, oh Bashar [Al-Assad]!"
Narrator: "Before departure, the commanders give a short farewell, and a photo is taken as a memento. Symbolically, a flock of storks flies over the crowd. The volunteers perceive this as a good sign. Soldiers hardened in battles against terrorists stand shoulder to shoulder with the Russian and Donbas armies."
