Russia has seen a significant increase in the number of men signing contracts to join the military following a deadly attack on a concert hall near Moscow, where at least 144 people were killed. Despite denials from Ukraine and the claim of responsibility by Islamic State militants, Russia has repeatedly blamed the attack on Ukraine. The Russian defense ministry reported that over 100,000 people have signed contracts with the armed forces since the start of the year, with about 16,000 signing up in the past 10 days alone. Many candidates cited a desire to avenge those killed in the attack as their main motive for joining the military.
President Vladimir Putin and his security chiefs have claimed, without evidence, that Ukraine was behind the mass shooting and had the most to gain from it. However, the U.S. has stated that Islamic State was solely responsible for the attack and had warned Moscow of an impending operation weeks earlier. Russia’s reliance on new recruits to bolster its armed forces is due to its continued push into Ukrainian territory. Despite ordering an unpopular draft of 300,000 men in September 2022, Putin has stated that there is no need for another compulsory mobilization due to the strong numbers of voluntary contract sign-ups.
Posters across Russian cities portray soldiers fighting in Ukraine as patriots and heroes, with many recruits enticed by the higher salaries offered in the military compared to civilian roles. Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and has been slowly advancing in the past two months after a failed Ukrainian counteroffensive. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced plans to bolster the military by adding two new armies and 30 new formations by the end of the year. Both sides have suffered heavy casualties, with an estimated 75,000 Russians killed in Ukraine by late 2023. Ukraine has recently lowered the mobilization age for combat duty in an effort to generate more fighting power.
The reported increase in military recruitment in Russia follows a series of statements by Putin and his security chiefs, alleging Ukrainian involvement in the attack near Moscow. However, these claims have been refuted by Kyiv and the U.S., and there has been no evidence provided to support Russia’s accusations. The recruitment drive in Russia is seen as necessary to support the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the continued advancement of Russian forces. With both sides experiencing significant casualties, the recruitment of new soldiers is crucial to replenish and strengthen military forces on the front lines.
The motivation for many recruits to join the military appears to be a desire to avenge those killed in the Moscow attack, as highlighted by statements made by new recruits. There is a sense of patriotism and duty being promoted in Russian cities, with soldiers fighting in Ukraine being hailed as heroes. The higher salaries offered in the military compared to civilian roles are also a driving force for many new recruits. Russia’s plans to expand its military capabilities come as it intensifies its efforts in Ukraine, while Ukraine makes adjustments to its military strategies to increase its fighting power. The conflict shows no signs of abating, and both countries continue to suffer heavy losses in the ongoing war.
