Russians Face Recruitment Crisis and Economic Strain as War Drags On

Russia’s ongoing conflict has triggered a mounting recruitment crisis and deepening economic strain, with authorities intensifying efforts to enlist new soldiers amid rising casualties and a faltering economy.

Intensified Recruitment Targets Vulnerable Groups

Facing a shortage of volunteers, Russian authorities have ramped up recruitment efforts, offering record-high enlistment bonuses and targeting vulnerable populations, including Central Asian migrants, the elderly, and individuals in precarious economic situations. Many recruits are lured by promises of quick financial rewards, with some regions offering up to 2.6 million rubles ($33,128) as a one-time payment. However, these incentives have proven costly and may be unsustainable, as the Kremlin has already exceeded its recruitment budget for 2025. Reports indicate that Uzbek and Tajik citizens, among other foreign nationals, have been deployed to high-risk frontlines, resulting in significant casualties.

Despite these measures, recruitment rates have declined. In early 2025, Russia was enlisting over 1,000 new soldiers daily, nearly matching battlefield losses, but by May, this figure had dropped to around 900 per day. Experts warn that current recruitment barely covers mounting casualty rates, with some regions offering unprecedented bonuses to attract new fighters for dangerous assignments. The use of online job platforms, recruitment of university students facing debt, and the formation of all-female detachments highlight the increasingly desperate tactics employed to fill ranks.

Economic Strains Deepen for Ordinary Russians

Russia’s war economy has created a stark divide between booming defense sectors and a struggling civilian economy. While wages in military and defense industries have surged, most Russians face rising inflation, stagnant or declining real incomes, and growing inequality. Real estate sales have plummeted by 40%, and trade with China is declining, despite official claims of rising incomes. Many citizens now struggle to afford basic expenses such as utilities and healthcare, with pensions and public sector salaries lagging far behind inflation. The government’s heavy spending on military recruitment—now costing $22 million per day—has diverted resources from healthcare and education, raising concerns about long-term economic stability.

Russia’s National Wealth Fund, a key financial reserve, has lost two-thirds of its liquid assets since the war began, dropping by $106 billion and reaching its lowest level since 2008. Experts caution that, at the current pace, Moscow may only be able to sustain its war effort for another 12 to 16 months before facing critical financial constraints.

Technological Initiatives Amid Economic Uncertainty

In a bid to bolster its technological infrastructure, Russia is preparing to launch a satellite system later this year, aiming to rival Starlink[Query]. This move reflects the Kremlin’s continued prioritization of military and technological sectors, even as ordinary Russians bear the brunt of economic hardship.

Outlook

With recruitment challenges mounting and economic pressures intensifying, Russia faces difficult decisions in the months ahead. The sustainability of both its military campaign and domestic stability remains in question as the war enters its fourth year and the costs—both human and financial—continue to climb.