Social media videos showing African men in Russian military uniforms have fueled reports that such recruits are being used to reinforce depleted Russian ranks. Ukraine’s ambassador to South Africa, Oleksandr Sherba, said some recruits are treated as expendable. Recruitment packages reportedly include signing-up bonuses of about €2,300, monthly salaries of up to €2,500, health insurance and promises of Russian citizenship. Moscow maintains military partnerships with several African states.