Last year, thousands of Russians rushed to recruitment centers in Moscow, eager to sign contracts to fight in Ukraine.
Many were drawn by large cash incentives and fears of Ukrainian advances. Now, that rush has faded.
According to the independent Russian outlet Verstka, the number of volunteers has dropped dramatically, with only a fraction signing up compared to last summer, the Kyiv Independent writes.
At its peak, around 200 to 250 people were enlisting daily. This surge came after Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk and the introduction of a one-time payment of 1.9 million rubles ($19,200).
Now, recruitment centers are seeing only about 40 people a day. A source from the Moscow mayor’s office told Verstka that interest in signing up has fallen to its lowest point.
He explained that the initial flood of volunteers was driven by both financial incentives and fear of Ukrainian military advances. Those factors no longer seem to have the same effect.
The type of recruits has also changed. Many of those signing contracts now are foreigners from Africa, Asia, and China looking to earn money.
Some are Russians who are facing criminal charges and see military service as a way out. This shift suggests that fewer ordinary Russian citizens are willing to enlist.
On the battlefield, Russia continues to suffer heavy losses. Reports estimate that Russian forces are losing between 1,500 and 1,750 soldiers each day, including those killed, wounded, and captured.
Despite these casualties, Russian troops have made some advances in eastern Ukraine. In late 2024, they secured positions near Toretsk, Chasiv Yar, and Kupiansk, as well as in Kursk Oblast on Russian soil.
However, military experts believe that Russia lacks the resources for a major breakthrough.
Earlier this month, NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander stated that while Russian forces continue to push forward, their resources are stretched thin.
Without fresh waves of recruits, maintaining momentum on the battlefield could become even more difficult.
As enlistment numbers drop and casualties mount, Russia faces an uncertain path in its war against Ukraine.
