Russia is reportedly employing increasingly desperate recruitment tactics, offering exorbitant financial incentives to lure individuals-particularly those in debt-into military service, even as speculation mounts about a potential winding down of the conflict in Ukraine. An informant in Irkutsk described the strategy as a “new level of fraud,” alleging recruitment materials promise “millions before peace comes.”
The tactics, observed on government websites and in advertisements in cities like Irkutsk and Kamchatka, coincide with anticipation surrounding potential meetings between vladimir Putin and Donald Trump in Alaska. Banners advertise significant payments, particularly for service in the Khanty-Mansi district, with total compensation-including monthly combat pay and one-time regional and communal bonuses-reaching 17-18 million rubles (approximately $183,000 – $194,000 USD, or PLN 768-814 thousand) for a year of service. Recruitment efforts specifically target “indebted volunteers,” according to sources.
“Who could survive a whole year these days?” asked a person familiar with the recruitment system,speaking anonymously. “No one sends the new recruits to the safety of the rear, but promptly throws them into the attack. Even if you miraculously survive for a few months, who knows, you might end up on the battlefield? You’ll hold out if you get injured as it means thay’ll take you off the front line for a while and pay you a different rate.” The source characterized the offers as “a clever lie” designed to exploit financial vulnerability.
The aggressive recruitment drive comes amid reports of significant Russian military losses. The British Ministry of Defense estimates monthly casualties at approximately 32,000-34,000 killed and injured, though autonomous verification of these figures is not possible. The promise of substantial payouts appears to be a bid to replenish depleted ranks, potentially before any declaration regarding the status of the “special military operation” in Ukraine.
