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Russian army recruitment centers in Moscow see five-fold drop in applicants, media reports

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Russian army recruitment centers in Moscow see five-fold drop in applicants, media reports
A poster dedicated to the upcoming Defender of the Fatherland Day which depicts a Russian soldier with a slogan reading "For the Victory! For the Ours! For the Truth!" in front of an Orthodox church in Moscow on February 20, 2023 (Alexander Nemenov / AFP) 

The number of Russians signing contracts at Moscow recruitment centers to fight in the war against Ukraine has fallen five-fold since its peak in late summer of last year, the independent Russian outlet Verstka reported on Jan. 29.

The daily number of volunteers signing-up reached a high following Ukraine’s Kursk offensive and the introduction of a one-time payment of 1.9 million rubles ($19,200) shortly before that.

Since then, daily applicants number around 40, a fivefold decrease, Verstka reported, citing a source in the Moscow mayor's office.

"In August, we could barely cope. People came en masse, 200-250 people a day," the source said, adding: "Both money and the entry of the Ukrainian Armed Forces into the Kursk region played a role. Now interest has fallen to minimal levels."

Verstka also reports that the composition of applicants has changed, and half of those signing up currently are foreigners of African, Asian and Chinese origin looking to make extra money, or Russians under investigation in criminal cases.

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Boldizsar Gyori

Boldizsar is a former Reuters correspondent for Hungary, currently based in Kharkiv, reporting for the Kyiv Independent and various other outlets. He holds degrees in political science, philosophy, and development policy.

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