Cannon fodder for Ukraine front: Russia is actively looking for new recruits

Cannon fodder for the Ukrainian front
Russia is actively looking for new recruits

09/16/2022 11:04 am

Because the Kremlin is still refraining from general mobilization, according to Western experts, the Russian army is largely lacking in new troops. While “Putin’s chefs” are looking for mercenaries in prisons, some regions are now recruiting volunteers themselves. But whether that is enough is questionable.

According to British and American estimates, Russian troops in the war of aggression against Ukraine lacked infantry and junior officers. The war has had a significant impact on Russian manpower, the Defense Ministry said, citing intelligence in London. According to British figures, around 25,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine since the war began on February 24.

So far, however, the Kremlin has shied away from mobilization — fearing social unrest. According to the US think tank Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the Kremlin is planning a recruitment campaign across Russia that includes Chechen ruler Ramzam Kadyrov. Kadyrov on Wednesday asked regional governors in Russia not to wait for the Kremlin and instead start “self-mobilization”.

According to ISW, while this change in the recruitment system should satisfy nationalists, it will not produce a large number of combat-ready troops. Several governors supported Kadyrov’s call – including Sergei Nosov, governor of the Magadan administrative region and member of the Kremlin’s “United Russia” party. But according to Noso, the possibilities are limited in the regions “The Insider”. “We don’t have military units, we only have a recruiting office. It will be difficult to organize quality combat training.”

Training for cadets is shortened

According to British estimates, the recruitment of criminals by businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin points to a serious shortage of personnel in the Russian army. “In the video, Prigozhin insists that he is only looking for ‘militants for assault troops,'” the ministry said. The campaign has been running since at least July. Prisoners will be given discounts and cash. In addition, Russian military academies are shortening training courses for cadets and bringing graduation dates forward. “This is almost certainly being done so that cadets can be deployed in support of operations in Ukraine,” it said.

Prigozin is considered the boss of the “Wagner” mercenaries, who are notorious for their brutality. According to Russian media, anyone who does not want private military companies and prisoners to be used in the conflict should send their own children forward, Prigozhin said about the video. In doing so, he faces demands from bloggers critical of the Kremlin, who have long called for a general mobilization to keep enough reserves for the war in Ukraine.