Russia boosts recruitment incentives amid intensified soldier shortage

According to the Polish state news agency PAP, citing Bloomberg and sources close to the Kremlin and defense ministry, Russia's shortage of soldiers has intensified since the Ukrainian offensive began. To avoid the unpopular measure of mobilization, Moscow has increased incentives for volunteers. 

Despite increasing incentives for recruits, Russia's soldier shortage has worsened since the Ukrainian offensive began, potentially forcing the government to consider conscription to meet the high demand for new troops.

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Despite the raises, the Russian army is not recruiting enough new soldiers to compensate for the losses on the front, which are the highest since the war began in February 2022.

As a result, Russia may consider another mobilization, possibly in the form of troop rotations.

New recruits can earn significantly more in their first year of service compared to the average salary in Moscow, which is an attempt to attract volunteers.

However, the current strategy of offering high incentives may prove insufficient, and the government may need to consider implementing conscription.

Bloomberg economist Aleks Isakov estimates that Russia will need about half a million new soldiers over the next year to replenish losses and rotate personnel in Ukraine.

Source: Bloomberg/PAP

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