Russian online job platforms are spreading fake vacancies for the so-called "Luhansk Nuclear Power Plant" — a facility that has never existed — to lure people into military service, according to Ukraine's Center for Countering Disinformation. Occupied Luhansk has never had any nuclear facility. The scheme promises high pay and safe civilian work, but applicants discover they've signed up for combat deployment in Ukraine.
Many recruits are lured with false promises of civilian employment before being forced into combat. India and several African countries are trying to repatriate their nationals who have been drawn into fighting roles by Russia. Still, it is difficult to believe that all of these would-be mercenaries are unaware of what they are signing up for.
Fake nuclear plant jobs target vulnerable populations
The Center for Countering Disinformation reported on Telegram on 22 January that Russian employment websites are advertising "guard" positions at the fictional Luhansk nuclear plant. The ads offer standard contract service terms: high monthly salaries and large one-time payments.
The job listings specifically target students, pensioners, people over 45, and those with health conditions. The postings deliberately present these positions as civilian work to attract the widest possible pool of applicants, the watchdog says.
"Wherever the state orders"
When applicants contact the supposed employers, they learn the truth. The positions involve not guarding any facility but signing military contracts. Recruits face deployment "wherever the state orders," including Russian-occupied territories and active combat zones.
The scheme uses references to "facility secrecy" to obscure the real conditions. The choice of "nuclear power plant" in the ads aims to create an illusion of peaceful, safe employment at a protected strategic site.
"This case demonstrates blatant fraud in Russia's recruitment schemes to continue the war against Ukraine," the Center for Countering Disinformation wrote, adding: "People are lured with promises of work at a non-existent facility, and in reality are sent to the front lines in Ukraine."
