Russia recruits soldiers with expendable status for Ukraine war

In September 2022, Russia announced a partial mobilization of men to support its military efforts in Ukraine, leading to significant social upheaval as many fled the country to avoid conscription. An investigative report by RFE/RL revealed that major recruitment efforts are being organized through a mercenary group named Redut, which is actually linked to the GRU, Russia's military intelligence agency. In late 2023, another recruitment initiative called Dobrokor was introduced. This program seeks to attract recruits disenchanted with the conditions of regular military service, providing them an alternative to the conventional Defense Ministry contracts. Unlike these contracts, which automatically extend until the end of the conflict, those joining through Dobrokor do not face that same commitment, yet they might be treated as expendable by military leadership, seeking to fulfill the high casualty demands of the ongoing war. The casualty toll has been catastrophic, estimated to be around one million, factoring in both deaths and injuries. The Russian military is actively searching for personnel aged 18-55 for men and 18-45 for women to bolster its ranks. Reports have indicated that the recruitment bonuses differ significantly; traditional contracts offer substantial bonuses, whereas Dobrokor has smaller incentive offerings. However, issues surrounding the support and compensation for recruits remain a concern, as those enlisted through volunteer networks face challenges when accessing medical and other benefits. Despite these limitations, thousands have joined the ranks through both volunteer pathways, reflecting the desperate need for manpower as the conflict continues to escalate.