Russia has problems recruiting contract soldiers: details from intelligence

According to intelligence data, Russia signed contracts with approximately 70,500 military personnel in the first quarter of 2026.

This is far less than the Russian Ministry of Defense had planned, which had expected to recruit 33,500–34,600 people monthly.

The decline in the number of contract soldiers has forced Russia to increase payments. More than 40 regions have increased compensation for new recruits by 30-100%, and in some cases by 200-500%, compared to 2025.

The Russian State Duma also passed a resolution to write off overdue loans—not only for the contract soldier but also for his or her wife or husband. The condition is simple: the contract must be signed after May 1, 2026, for at least one year. The maximum write-off amount is $136,700.

For example, in the Ryazan region, companies with more than 150 employees are required to send a fixed number of people to the army.

The Russian Ministry of Science and Higher Education, together with military registration and enlistment offices, tasked the leadership of 190–200 technical and regional universities with ensuring that at least 2% of male students sign contracts.

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office has received permission to exercise total control over conscription—from military registration and enlistment offices and employers to schools, universities, and law enforcement agencies.

Furthermore, the State Duma enshrined in law a provision requiring law enforcement officers to conduct “preventive work” with those who refuse to serve.

All these measures indicate a difficult recruitment situation for the Russian army. Voluntary contract service is becoming increasingly expensive for the Kremlin. Mass mobilization remains unlikely for now, but a further decline in recruitment rates could increase its likelihood.

Earlier , Pryamoy reported that Russia is facing a personnel shortage , which could be even greater than Ukraine’s. Due to its extensive frontline, Russia requires a significant number of troops.

Russia also uses deception and manipulation to recruit residents of temporarily occupied Crimea into its army. People are promised safe service close to home, but in practice, the situation is quite different.

According to the agency, occupation forces are actively offering contract service to Crimeans, including in unmanned aerial vehicle units allegedly stationed on the peninsula.

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