Russia’s protracted invasion of Ukraine has driven both nations to seek innovative ways to bolster their military ranks. In a move that is sure to raise eyebrows, Moscow has introduced significant financial incentives to attract new recruits. The Mayor of Moscow, Sergey Sobyanin, announced a substantial one-time payment of 1.9 million roubles (approximately $22,000) for residents who sign up for military service for more than a year. This sum is a staggering 22 times the average monthly salary of Russians, as reported by the Federal State Statistics Service in April.
Besides the initial bonus, recruits can earn a total of 5.2 million roubles (about $59,600) in their first year of service. Additionally, recruits injured in combat can receive between $5,690 and $11,390, depending on the severity of their injuries. The families of soldiers killed in action are entitled to a compensation of $34,150. What is behind these ‘lucrative’ offers?
The backdrop of these generous offers is Russia’s struggle to maintain its offensive against Ukraine. The UK Defence Ministry estimated in a July 12 update that more than 70,000 Russian soldiers were either killed or wounded in May and June alone. Additionally, a source familiar with a declassified US intelligence assessment revealed to CNN that Russia has lost 87 per cent of its active-duty ground troops and two-thirds of its tanks since the invasion began. The Institute for the Study of War, a US think tank, commented on the situation: “Such high financial incentives will continue to generate sufficient manpower to sustain Russia’s current offensive tempo but are likely to impose high long-term costs on Russia’s regional and federal budgets.”
What recruitment challenges is Russia facing? Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed the military to increase its numbers by 170,000, aiming to boost overall personnel to over 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops. This marks a 15 per cent increase in military size and is the second such expansion since the invasion began. Initially, Putin ordered a “partial mobilisation” in September 2022, targeting military reservists and those with prior military experience. This mobilisation led to widespread protests, especially in ethnic minority regions, and prompted an exodus of military-age men fleeing the country.
Despite suspending the mobilisation campaign in November 2022 after claiming the recruitment target of 300,000 personnel was met, Russia has continued to seek fighters beyond its borders. Reports indicate that Russia has recruited up to 15,000 Nepalese soldiers, many of whom have experienced trauma, with some still missing or presumed dead. A Nepalese soldier told CNN that Afghan, Indian, Congolese and Egyptian recruits are also being trained at Russian military academies for foreign fighters.
The human cost of the conflict On the ground, the brutal reality of the conflict is evident. Social media is awash with drone footage showing Russian soldiers being killed or severely injured in what are described as “meat grinder” battles. Ukrainian soldiers frequently face overwhelming assaults from Russian forces, which often employ human-wave tactics, leading to high attrition rates. Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, noted earlier this month that 190,000 new contract soldiers had joined the military this year alone. This effort is part of a broader strategy to offset the heavy casualties sustained by Russian forces.
As Russia’s war in Ukraine drags into its third year, the Kremlin’s desperate need for soldiers is a testament that the ongoing conflict continues to extract a heavy toll on both nations, with no immediate end in sight. Also Read | ‘Climate catastrophe’: Activists take Russia to court over Ukraine war emissions With inputs from agencies.
