In a seemingly desperate bid to bolster its dwindling forces in Ukraine, Russia recently unveiled a staggering one-time incentive package for new recruits along with other perks.
Moscow’s Lucrative Offer: Bonuses and Benefits for Recruits
Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced in a statement last Tuesday (July 23) a jaw-dropping 1.9 million rubles (about $22,000) sign-on bonus for city residents willing to commit to at least a year of military service.
This unprecedented offer from the Kremlin, equivalent to 22 times the average Russian monthly salary, is accompanied by a monthly stipend raising the total pay to a contract soldier to over 5.2 million rubles (nearly $60,000) for the first year.
Injured soldiers sustained in Ukraine will receive separate payments. Moscow authorities reportedly will pay 500,000 rubles ($5,765) and 1 million rubles ($11,531) for minor and major injuries, respectively.
As an incentive for Moscow residents to enlist, the city also offered a package of family support, such as free school meals (for those who have schoolchildren) and exemptions from utility inspections.
Meanwhile, families can get as much as 3 million rubles ($34,592) for fallen soldiers in Ukraine.
In total, Moscow is prepared to invest up to 7 million rubles ($82,000) annually in each new recruit.
To address concerns about inadequate training and equipment for recruits, Sobyanin’s office has established a dedicated recruitment website promising full gear and top-tier instruction.
“Recruits who sign a contract to enter military service in Moscow are provided with full equipment and undergo training from the best instructors,” Moscow wrote on its recruitment page.
Foreign Fighters
Foreigners can also serve in the Russian military under contract, but it is unclear whether they are eligible for the same bonuses.
CNN previously reported that Russia has recruited as many as 15,000 Nepalis to sustain its campaign in Ukraine. Many of these foreign conscripts suffered severe psychological trauma upon their return, while the fate of others remains unknown.
A Nepali soldier interviewed on the matter revealed that Afghan, Indian, Congolese, and Egyptian recruits were among those undergoing military training in Russia to serve as foreign fighters.
Continued Casualties
The Kremlin’s desperation is palpable as its “special military operation” in Ukraine drags into its third year.
Since the onset of the war, Russia has suffered heavy casualties in Ukraine, forcing the Kremlin to desperately replenish its depleted forces.
While exact casualty figures remain unreported, estimates suggest a staggering toll of more than 70,000 soldiers, particularly during the intense fighting in May and June.
With a significant portion of its pre-invasion troops and equipment lost, Russia has been scrambling to recruit new soldiers since.
Financial Inducements, Avoiding Public Backlash
A failed mobilization attempt in October 2022 sparked widespread protests and prompted a mass exodus of military-age men.
To avoid a repeat of this public backlash, Moscow is now resorting to financial inducements.
Not to mention Russia’s continuing foreign recruitment, offering contracts from African mercenaries.
Earlier this year, Kyiv’s military intelligence reported that fighters from Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda were being lured to join in its military campaign with promises of substantial monthly stipends, up to $2,200, and Russian passports for their families.
However, the exorbitant cost of these incentives raises questions about Russia’s economic stability and the sustainability of this recruitment strategy.
The Cost of Russia’s Recruitment Strategy
Analysts suggest these measures are indicative of a Kremlin increasingly concerned about the war’s trajectory and the potential for further escalation.
As the conflict drags on, the pressure to replenish Russia’s frontline forces will only intensify, potentially leading to even more drastic measures.
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