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Russia Recruits Up to 1,200 New Soldiers a Day, Ukrainian Intelligence Reports

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Maryna_kulakova
Maryna Kulakova
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Russia Recruits Up to 1,200 New Soldiers a Day, Ukrainian Intelligence Reports
Military uniforms and equipment distribute to those recruited as part of the mobilization as military training continue within the scope of mobilization in Rostov, Russia on October 31, 2022. (Source: Getty Images)

Russia has no intention of ending the war, with 1,000 to 1,200 people signing military contracts there every day, according to Oleh Ivashchenko, head of Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service, in an interview with Ukrinform on May 26.

According to Ivashchenko, Russia’s total mobilization potential stands at around 25 million people, though only about 3 million are considered combat-ready. Since the start of the full-scale invasion, roughly 1.3 million individuals have been mobilized, while total combat losses—including wounded—are nearing one million.

“Russia has no intention of stopping this war. In their minds, they’re rebuilding the Soviet Union through military force. They’re creating new military districts and divisions—13 divisions, to be exact. Yes, they’re facing problems: shortages of personnel and equipment. But every day, 1,000 to 1,200 new contract soldiers are signing up. This isn’t mobilization for peace—it’s preparation for something bigger,” Ivashchenko said.

“It’s about the economy. Right now, the defense industry is the only sector in Russia showing growth. If it stalls, the entire Russian economy will begin to crack. And it’s also ideology—built on fear and the belief that enemies are everywhere. For the Kremlin, war is a tool to stay in power. And that’s a threat not only to Ukraine, but to the entire civilized world.”

According to Ivashchenko, those who join the army can receive between $30,000 and $40,000, depending on the region. Payments come from the state, local authorities, and businesses, making military service one of the few remaining paths to stable income in Russia.

At the same time, Russia is expected to face mounting economic pressure by the end of the year, including budget shortfalls, labor shortages, and potential crises in the energy and public utilities sectors.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia has recruited more than 1,500 foreign nationals to fight against Ukraine between April 2023 and May 2024, according to a recent intelligence update from the UK Ministry of Defense on April 27.

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