Russia offering workers $4,000 to dig trenches in Kursk Oblast
What's the story
As Ukrainian forces continue to advance in the Kursk Oblast region of Russia, job advertisements for trench-digging positions have appeared on Russian job portals.
The ads are seeking "general workers" capable of constructing fortifications, offering pay rates between 150,000-371,000 rubles (approximately $1,600-4,000), CNN reported.
Ukraine's cross-border incursion into the neighboring Kursk Oblast began on August 6.
Military advancement
Ukraine gains control over Kursk Oblast
As of August 13, Ukraine claimed control over 74 settlements in Kursk Oblast.
The country's top military commander stated that Ukrainian troops have established dominance over an area of 1,000 square kilometers (386 square miles) within the region.
This rapid advancement has prompted Russia to ramp up its border fortifications, including trench-digging activities near the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant (KNPP).
Analyst observations
Inadequate personnel for border fortifications: ISW
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on August 11 that Russia's efforts to strengthen its border fortifications were hindered by a lack of sufficient personnel.
The ISW noted that "sparsely manned and equipped border fortifications proved insufficient at preventing Ukrainian gains at the outset of the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast."
It further suggested that Russia's military command will likely require additional manpower and equipment to secure the international border.
Defense update
Russia's defense ministry reports destruction of Ukrainian drones
According to the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry, the operation is intended to prevent Russia from sending reinforcements to the front lines in Donetsk Oblast.
It also aims to disrupt Russian supply lines and prevent cross-border attacks, moving away from depending primarily on long-range strikes with Western weapons that are limited by international agreements.