According to official figures, the Russian armed forces have already recruited 385,000 new soldiers by 2023. The Kremlin said the personnel offensive should continue, among other things, to expand NATO’s military potential.
Of these, 305,000 soldiers signed a contract directly with the Russian Defense Ministry, former President Dmitry Medvedev said on Wednesday in a video published on the online service Telegram.
80,000 new mercenaries
The remaining 80,000 are ‘volunteers’. In Russia, this term is usually used for fighters from paramilitary groups such as the Wagner mercenaries.
Recruitment of new soldiers should continue next year, said Medvedev, currently number two on Russia’s Security Council. Accordingly, a new army corps, seven divisions, 19 brigades, 49 regiments and a fleet will be formed.
Russia wants to expand its armed forces in the coming years from currently around one million soldiers to 1.5 million. The new soldiers should be recruited mainly through temporary contracts, Medvedev said. He was instructed by Putin to coordinate this.
Military advertisements shape cityscapes
Russia had mobilized around 300,000 reservists as of September 2022 due to the attack on Ukraine. Despite heavy losses, the Russian leadership subsequently refrained from further mobilization. Instead, Moscow is relying on a major recruitment campaign to attract new soldiers.
According to Ukrainian information, Russia has deployed about 400,000 soldiers in eastern Ukraine. The Russian leadership does not provide precise information about the number of soldiers deployed or the number of soldiers killed.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
