LOYGA, Russia — “First time here?” the conductor on the train that stops at the logging outpost of Loyga asks some departing passengers. The other alleged attacker and an alleged military intelligence operative accused of a hacking attack in the Netherlands come from equally dismal places. Their stories suggest how important the military and intelligence services are for ambitious young men determined to escape the gloom and poverty of rural Russia. Minin’s neighbours told the AP last week that he made an enviable career by joining the military and moving to Moscow. “People from Moscow, (like) people from New York, are not so interested in a military career and being special ops,” said military analyst Pavel Felgenhauer.

Source: National Post October 12, 2018 08:15 UTC