Russia Struggles to Fill Ranks Despite Record Bonuses

Russia is offering potential recruits record financial incentives, but even bonuses of tens of thousands of dollars or debt forgiveness cannot arrest the decline in interest in front-line service, CNN reports.

According to analysts, recruitment fell by around 20% in the first quarter compared to the previous year. The Kremlin has sought to offset losses by deploying former prisoners, foreign volunteers and North Korean soldiers, but manpower problems persist.

The war is also exacerbating labor shortages in the Russian economy, as hundreds of thousands of men have either gone to the front or left the country. Analysts warn that the defense industry is already operating close to maximum capacity and that further increases in production will become increasingly difficult.

Rising inflation and a slowing economy are compounding the pressure. According to experts, Vladimir Putin may soon face a choice between further mobilization and scaling back his war aims in Ukraine.

(mja)