Moscow authorities have introduced a significant signing-on bonus to attract new recruits for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reflecting the challenges faced by President Vladimir Putin in bolstering Russian troop numbers as the invasion enters its third year.
Financial Incentives and Recruitment Efforts
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced a one-time signing bonus of 1.9 million rubles (approximately $22,000) for city residents who join the military. New recruits can earn up to 5.2 million rubles ($59,600) in their first year of service. Additional financial incentives include one-time payments of $5,690-$11,390 for injuries and $34,150 for the families of soldiers killed in action.
High Casualty Rates and Strategic Challenges
Russia’s casualty numbers remain undisclosed, but estimates indicate a high death toll. The UK defense ministry reported over 70,000 Russian soldiers were likely killed or wounded in May and June alone. According to a declassified US intelligence assessment, Russia has lost 87% of its active-duty ground troops and two-thirds of its pre-invasion tanks.
Expansion of Military Personnel and International Recruitment
Putin has ordered an increase of 170,000 troops, raising the total number of Russian military personnel to over 2.2 million, including 1.32 million troops. This 15% boost marks the second expansion since the invasion began. The initial mobilization in September 2022 led to fierce demonstrations and an exodus of military-age men. Despite suspending the mobilization in November 2022, Russia continues to recruit fighters beyond its borders, including up to 15,000 Nepalis and other foreign nationals.
As the conflict grinds on, the Kremlin’s efforts to find new soldiers underscore the severe toll the war has taken on Russian forces and the continued desperation to sustain its military campaign in Ukraine.
