Russia’s Recruitment Challenges Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Russia’s primary method of attracting volunteers for its war against Ukraine is through substantial financial incentives, with the highest one-time payment currently offered in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug amounting to 3.2 million rubles, approximately $39,000. However, this approach appears to be losing effectiveness, reports 24brussels.
Analysts from the U.S. Institute for the Study of War indicate that the number of individuals signing contracts has not increased, even in regions with the most significant financial rewards. This suggests that those Russians who aimed to “profit from the war” have already enlisted, a trend evident since February. The continuous rise in payments for soldiers—an increment of about 500,000 rubles, or over $6,000 every three to four months—along with an expanding package of social benefits, points to a decline in recruitment rates. If these levels do not improve, Russia may struggle to compensate for its losses on the front lines, potentially forcing President Vladimir Putin to either initiate forced mobilization of reservists or engage in genuine negotiations.
Currently, military recruitment offices are reporting an influx of applicants who are predominantly elderly individuals or those with chronic illnesses. Many new recruits express interest primarily in the financial incentives and social benefits offered, such as the priority admission of their children to universities, deferment on loans, and debt forgiveness.
As a reminder, in late September, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree initiating the autumn draft, which runs from October 1 to December 31, aiming to enlist 135,000 individuals. Concurrently, the Kremlin is preparing changes that would allow conscription to occur year-round to ensure a steady influx of new recruits and gradually diminish societal backlash against mobilization.
