As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues with no end in sight, the Kremlin is increasingly employing unconventional methods to boost its military ranks without resorting to another widely unpopular mobilization.
Faced with a dwindling pool of willing recruits, Russian officials are using a blend of financial incentives, advertising campaigns, and innovative recruitment schemes to address the persistent shortage of soldiers.
Financial Incentives: A High Price for Military Service
One of the most significant measures the Russian government has introduced to attract new recruits is the substantial increase in financial incentives for military service.
Monthly salaries for contract soldiers now average around 200,000 rubles ($2,166), which is approximately 2.4 times higher than the average Russian salary.
However, regional governments are going a step further by offering hefty one-time payments to those who sign military contracts.
In Moscow, Mayor Sergei Sobyanin has significantly raised the one-time bonus for new recruits to 1.9 million rubles ($22,353), in addition to the monthly salary.
This move comes as part of a broader strategy to boost recruitment in the capital. Similarly, in the Chelyabinsk region, the one-time payment has been doubled to 705,000 rubles ($8,233), while the Yamal-Nenets autonomous district offers an impressive sum of 1.1 million rubles ($12,964), which is around 14 times higher than the national average salary.
The Moscow and Leningrad regions are also enticing potential recruits by highlighting the total earnings over a year of service.
In Moscow, the total amount, including all payments and salaries, can reach up to 5.3 million rubles ($60,592), while in Leningrad, it is at least 3 million rubles ($34,955).
According to Novaya Gazeta Europe, at least 51 Russian regions have increased payments for military contracts at least once since the onset of the war in Ukraine.
Robust Advertising Campaigns
In addition to financial incentives, the Kremlin is leveraging an aggressive advertising campaign to attract recruits.
Recently, the republic of Tatarstan hosted a 12-hour TV marathon titled “Join the Army of Victory,” which featured appeals for enlistment and promised “unprecedented measures of support” for new soldiers.
The broadcast included offers of up to 1.5 million rubles ($17,391) for those who enlisted through the program.
This push is not limited to TV campaigns. Military recruitment promotion has also become a feature at public events and holidays.
During Victory Day celebrations in Moscow, a mobile enlistment point was set up at a World War II memorial park. Similarly, an enlistment point was introduced at the Defense Ministry’s military-themed Patriot Park during the Army-2023 forum.
In Norilsk, an Arctic mining hub, local authorities have taken a more direct approach by sending letters to businesses urging them to inform their male employees about military service opportunities and associated benefits.
Recruitment Schemes: Referrals and Bonuses
Another innovative tactic to boost recruitment involves offering bonuses for successful referrals. At least nine Russian regions have introduced schemes where individuals can earn rewards for persuading others to sign military contracts.
In the Voronezh region, residents can receive 15,000 rubles ($17,391) for each referral who enlists. Similarly, in the Yaroslavl region, Governor Mikhail Yevrayev announced a scheme offering 100,000 rubles ($1,163) for each new recruit brought in by a local resident.
These referral programs have also been implemented in the Far East republic of Sakha, the Arkhangelsk, Kaluga, and Ivanovo regions, as well as the Yamal-Nenets autonomous district.
In the Moscow region, businessmen have reportedly been instructed to ensure that a certain number of their employees sign military contracts.
The Effectiveness of These Measures
Despite the Kremlin’s extensive efforts to boost recruitment, experts suggest that the rising payments and recruitment drives indicate a deeper issue: a significant shortage of individuals willing to join the military.
Economist Tatyana Mikhailova, who has analyzed search engine data related to military service, points out that while increasing payments initially boosts interest, the effect is short-lived.
Search traffic for military service information tends to rise by about 12% after payment increases but usually returns to normal levels within five weeks.
Mikhailova argues that the substantial financial incentives reflect the underlying problem of a shrinking pool of volunteers.
“The economist’s argument is straightforward: if prices are increasing rapidly, it indicates that the product is in short supply,” she explains. “If there were already plenty of people willing to go to war, why is there a need for this competition of bonuses?”
The Kremlin’s Dilemma
The Kremlin’s creative recruitment strategies underscore a significant challenge in sustaining its military efforts in Ukraine.
While these measures may temporarily bolster troop numbers, they also highlight the growing disconnect between the government’s military needs and the public’s willingness to serve.
The heavy reliance on financial incentives and aggressive recruitment tactics suggests that the ongoing conflict is placing increasing strain on Russia’s military manpower.
As the war drags on, it remains to be seen whether these measures will be sufficient to maintain the necessary levels of troop deployment or if further, more drastic steps will be required.
The Kremlin’s approach to recruitment may evolve as the conflict continues, but for now, the focus remains on attracting recruits through a combination of financial incentives, advertising, and innovative recruitment schemes.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members