Russia Sends Draft Officers to the Front After Failing Recruitment Targets

In Russia’s Far Eastern regions, officials responsible for military recruitment — primarily sergeants and officers—are being reassigned to assault units after failing to meet enlistment quotas.

This was reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense (HUR) on November 12.

HUR noted that in regions where recruitment campaigns have repeatedly fallen short, Russian military command has introduced punitive measures for poor performance.

In the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), for instance, seven heads of enlistment offices were sent to the front lines to serve in motorized rifle regiments of the 5th, 35th, and 29th armies.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

Russia Has Lost 1 Million Soldiers in the War. How Many More Will It Throw into the Meat Grinder?

Jun 12, 2025 08:44

According to HUR, the average shortfall in recruitment centers across the region stands at around 40% of the targets set by Moscow. Recruiters are being deployed to the battlefield in areas where the male population is too small to meet the required quotas, or where recruitment campaigns cannot be completed within the established deadlines.

“This demonstrates the Kremlin’s complete lack of awareness about conditions in the regions under its control, as well as its urgent need to replenish battlefield losses,” the intelligence agency stated.

Earlier, it was reported that Russia is strengthening its economic ties with Kenya in what Ukrainian officials say is an attempt to broaden Moscow’s political influence in East Africa—while using these connections as a means to recruit African nationals to fight against Ukraine.

Support our frontline reporters

We report from the front lines to show the reality of war. Your support helps us stay there and tell the stories that matter.

DONATE NOW