Russia plans to recruit more than 400,000 soldiers

Kirill BudanovRussia plans to recruit more than 400,000 troops in 2026

Russia plans to to recruit more than 400,000 servicemen to its army over the next year. This was announced by the Chief of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine Kirill Budanov.

What is known about the plans of the Russian Federation

According to Budanov, Moscow is considering massive manning of the army as a key element in the continuation of the war against Ukraine. It is about:

• contract workers;

• covert mobilisation;

• Increased pressure on the regions of the Russian Federation to fulfil «recruitment plans».

The DIU chief noted that these figures indicate serious losses of the Russian army and the need to constantly replenish manpower.

How Russia forms a reserve

According to Ukrainian intelligence, the Kremlin:

• actively uses financial incentives to attract contract workers;

• amplifies administrative pressure for men of military age;

• attracts residents of depressed regions and migrants to the army.

At the same time, the quality of recruits' training remains low and the level of losses is high.

Context.

The statement came amid discussions of possible peace talks and at the same time Russia's preparations for a protracted war. Ukrainian intelligence has repeatedly emphasised that Russia is relying on numerical superiority, The military is not about the quality of its training.