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In February 2026, Russian authorities began compiling lists of “volunteers” to send to the front, starting with people in debt, especially those behind on utility bills.
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If the debtor is a woman, her husband or adult male relatives—sons, brothers, or even fathers—are targeted next. So now, debt can now lead to conscription.
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Students are targeted too. Russia’s higher education minister ordered that at least 2% of all students be prepared to sign contracts, especially those with academic debts.
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As Russia faces heavy losses, its military is turning to new tactics to fill the ranks. In 2025 alone, 1.25 million soldiers were killed or wounded.
So Russia is getting creative.
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