Ukraine War: Russia Seeks New Soldiers For The War Effort

Volosovo, near St. Petersburg, is thriving. It's not the economy; it's the speakers. Volosovo, like many Russian towns, has them erected on tall poles that line the main thoroughfare. They are traditionally used to play patriotic music during national holidays. They now serve a different purpose.

"There are two volunteer artillery battalions being recruited. We welcome men aged 18 to 60 to join "The speakers are blaring. It's a message that's being broadcast across this enormous country. Men are being persuaded to join short-term military contracts to fight in Ukraine through social media, TV, and billboards. In response to substantial losses in the battle, the Russian government has begun a recruitment drive for the Russian army.

Russia does not provide figures, but Western authorities estimate that between 70,000 and 80,000 Russian troops have been killed or injured since the operation began six months ago. To entice new recruits, the authorities are giving large sums of money, plots of land, and even priority placement for their children in Russian schools. Recruiters have even been visiting Russian jails, promising inmates freedom and money.

According to investigative journalist Roman Dobrokhotov, the recruiting campaign demonstrates the authorities' desperation: "This is not the type of soldier required for a successful battle. The Kremlin is still hoping that quantity will triumph over quality. That they can take hundreds of thousands of destitute individuals and simply toss them into the battle zone."