1/ Numerous adverts have appeared on Avito, Russia's equivalent of eBay, seeking workers to dig trenches in the Kursk region. It's likely that this is related to the rapid construction of a trench network located well behind the current front line. ⬇️
2/ As reported by @Osinttechnical, the Russians are racing to dig a trench network in an arc about 45 km from the border. They likely intend to convert the battle from a dynamic to a positional one, which would be harder for Ukraine to overcome.
https://x.com/Osinttechnical/status/1823548238433050845
3/ The Avito adverts typically ask for "workers [who are] urgently required in the Kursk region for the construction of fortification structures (trenches, pillboxes, anti-tank structures)." They offer between 5,000–7,000 rubles per shift ($56–78). No experience is required.
4/ The advertisers, who are construction firms around Russia, generally offer a salary of between 150,000-210,000 rubles per month ($1,676–$2,346). One advert for a crawler operator indicates that the city of Kursk itself is being fortified as the "second line of defence".
5/ The fortification work is clearly being driven at a high pace, as its schedule is described as being "round the clock." Most adverts do not specify the number of workers needed, though one says it is looking for "50–100 people" to dig trenches in Kursk.
6/ The advertisers are evidently trying to find anyone they can. One specifies that it will accept people over 45, pensioners, students, people with health problems, ex-convicts and non-Russians. Another says that if you "bring a friend" you will be given 10,000 rubles ($112).
7/ As perks, they offer clothing, personal protective equipment, transportation, "🏠Accommodation!", "🍔Nutrition!". (But no drinking is allowed on site.) One offers a "bulletproof vest at the expense of the organisation"; another promises "body armour + radio".
8/ One advert emphasises that the work will be "outside the combat zone" and that "there is no danger at work." (This is not strictly true, as the Ukrainians have repeatedly hit Russian excavators with drones and missiles.)
https://x.com/NAFORaccoon/status/1749395663257780339
9/ Nonetheless, advertisers are urging potential applicants to do the patriotic thing and fulfil their "desire to work and 💪help in the current situation." As one puts it, "⚪️🔵🔴 Let's defend the honour of OUR MOTHERLAND ⚪️🔵🔴". /end
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