INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Military recruitment in Moscow has dropped fivefold since its peak in mid-2024, forcing Russian authorities to rely increasingly on foreign
incentives which initially drove a boost in enlistment, Moscow residents have shown declining interest in signing up to fight in Ukraine,
non-traditional groups.With fewer Russians volunteering, foreign nationals from China, Ghana and South Africa have begun enlisting in
a systematic foreign recruitment program has emerged.While some foreign recruits cite ideological reasons for joining, such as admiration
for Russia or its culture, most point to financial necessity
A recruit from China told Vyorstka that he needed money to care for his sick parents but admitted uncertainty over the legality of his
Another recruit from Bangladesh said he was following a friend who had joined weeks earlier.Beyond foreign fighters, another growing
category of enlistees includes Russian citizens facing legal trouble
In October 2024, President Vladimir Putin signed a law allowing criminal defendants to avoid prosecution if they enlist during wartime or
The measure is expected to bring up to 25,000 individuals with ongoing criminal or administrative cases into military service.Some of these
recruits have been accused of financial crimes, while others are debtors struggling with unpaid loans or alimony.The sharp decline in
voluntary enlistment suggests that the Russian government is struggling to maintain recruitment levels despite continued financial
While officials initially attributed high enlistment rates to patriotism and economic rewards, the growing reliance on foreigners and legal
offenders points to a worsening manpower crisis.This article was originally published by bne IntelliNews.
