Russia Struggles to Enlist Contract Soldiers: Recruitment Rates Drop by One-Third.

Russia’s Military Recruitment Crisis

According to UATV: Moscow is facing mounting difficulties in replenishing its armed forces as the war in Ukraine drags on. During the final quarter of 2025, the pace of signing up contract soldiers fell by 1.5 times compared to the same period the previous year. This downward trend persisted into 2026, with the recruitment situation worsening even further.

According to available data, between 800 and 1,000 individuals were signing contracts daily in the first quarter of 2023—a 20 percent decline from the same period in 2022. In April 2023, only 1,708 troops were deployed to the front, followed by 1,378 in May. These figures highlight the significant obstacles Russia now confronts in keeping its military ranks filled. Local authorities have spent roughly 7.7 billion rubles on boosting bonuses for recruiters, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

Growing Public Unease

In late May 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Kyiv’s intelligence had detected preparations for a new wave of mobilization in Russia. This revelation sparked additional anxiety among the populace. Ruslan Aisin noted that

“very alarming signals are indeed coming in regarding mobilization.”

“Putin does not want to end the war and is ready to fight for another two or three years.”

Public discontent in Russia is beginning to surface. President Zelensky remarked that

“the majority in Russia now directs complaints at Putin, saying his war has no end in sight.”

Overall, Russia’s mobilization and contract recruitment efforts reveal severe challenges amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Higher payments for recruiters and declining enlistment rates point to a difficult economic and social landscape that demands immediate action.

This recruitment crisis underscores not only military but also socio-economic troubles facing the state. The drop in contract signings may indicate a shrinking willingness among citizens to serve, which could in turn affect domestic stability. How the authorities address these issues may prove decisive for the country’s future political trajectory.