Russia has seen a major leap in the number of people joining the armed forces since last month’s deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow, the defence ministry claimed.

In a statement, it said more than 100,000 recruits have signed up since the start of the year, including around 16,000 in the past 10 days alone.

“During interviews conducted over the past week at selection points in Russian cities, most candidates indicated the desire to avenge those killed in the tragedy that occurred on March 22, 2024 in the Moscow region as the main motive for concluding a contract,” the ministry said.

The Kremlin has repeatedly sought to blame Ukraine for the mass shooting - in which 144 people were killed at Crocus City Hall - a claim Kyiv and US intelligence have denied. The militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.