Mobilisation in the Russian Federation: the Kremlin has begun discussing a new wave due to a shortage of contract soldiers
This is according to reports in the Russian media.
According to sources, the number of Russians agreeing to sign contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defence has fallen significantly.
In April, 1,708 contract soldiers were sent to the war in Moscow, whilst in May the figure was 1,378. This is approximately a thousand fewer than during the same period last year.
Sources speaking to journalists at military recruitment offices and military units also claim that meeting recruitment targets is becoming increasingly difficult.
According to them, there is now a shortage of volunteers even in the ‘Rubicon’ drone unit, where contracts are offered for just one year.
How Russia is trying to recruit new soldiers
Due to a shortage of contract soldiers, regions are increasing their recruitment spending.
According to media reports, average monthly payments to recruiters have more than doubled — from 358 million to 802 million roubles. In total, Russian regions have already spent at least 7.7 billion roubles on this.
In addition, potential recruits are being enticed with higher one-off payments. For example, after the reward was increased to 3 million roubles in the Tyumen region, the number of applicants temporarily doubled.
Journalists also claim that some Russians are being recruited into the army under the guise of vacancies for drivers, security guards or construction workers. Once they have signed a contract, they may be sent to any military unit.
When might a new mobilisation take place?
Journalists spoke to eight sources linked to the Russian President’s administration and the security services.
They claim that no final decision has yet been made regarding a new wave of mobilisation, but the issue is regularly discussed within the Russian authorities.
One of the sources suggested October as a possible timeframe – following the elections to the Russian State Duma.
Another source reported that the Kremlin is considering various options for replenishing the army, including mobilisation.
At the same time, the publication’s sources suggest that the authorities may opt for a different scenario — redeploying reservists from rear units to combat units.
If the sources’ information is confirmed, this would indicate that the current system of recruiting contract soldiers no longer meets the needs of the Russian army.
However, the Kremlin has not officially announced preparations for a new wave of mobilisation.
Following the announcement of a partial mobilisation in autumn 2022, the Russian authorities have repeatedly stated that they do not plan any further waves of conscription. However, independent media and human rights activists regularly report cases of coercion to sign contracts, administrative pressure and the use of various schemes to replenish the army.
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