phx

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.