Russia's Defense Ministry Signs Contract with 'Akhmat' Battalion under Volunteer Order

The Russian Ministry of Defense has signed its first contract with the 'Akhmat' battalion as part of the order concerning volunteers. This has been reported by the military department, as reported by RIA Novosti.

Earlier, Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu signed an order establishing the procedure for organizing the service activities of volunteer organizations. According to the document, all volunteer units will sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense by July 1. This is expected to enhance the effectiveness of the use of volunteer formations within the unified group of troops.

“A contract has been signed between the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation and the 'Akhmat' volunteer battalion within the framework of implementing the order of the Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation on establishing the procedure for organizing the service activities of volunteer organizations,” the statement said.

As clarified by the Ministry, the contract defines the legal regulation and activities of the 'Akhmat' volunteer units in the special military operation zone, as well as the extension of state social protection and assistance measures to volunteers and their family members. The contract was signed by the Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, Colonel General Alexey Kim, and the Director of the University of Special Operations of Russia, Adam Dashaev.

Kim noted that today a considerable number of units, volunteer battalions, and other military formations are participating jointly with the armed forces units in the Air Defense zone.

“Following the directive of the Supreme Commander Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and the Minister of Defense, an order has been issued that defines the service activities of all volunteer battalions to enhance their effectiveness,” the general added.

He expressed hope that in the future, other volunteer battalions will also sign similar contracts. According to Ministry officials, this contract grants members of volunteer units and battalions the same status as that of active duty servicemen of the Ministry of Defense.

It should be noted that the special operations 'Akhmat' group was formed under the leadership of Chechnya's head Ramzan Kadyrov. Over a year and three months, the unit has trained and sent tens of thousands of volunteers to the front lines.