Summary
Russia is increasing military recruitment by advertising "non-combat" roles on social media to attract new troops amid high battlefield losses in Ukraine. These roles are promoted as safer options, but the actual assignments can still place recruits on the front line. OpenMinds, a Ukrainian company, found this recruitment approach relies on misleading ads to fill troop shortages.
Key Facts
- Russia faces high troop losses in Ukraine and is trying new ways to recruit soldiers.
- Ads for "safe" military roles have increased on Russian social media, especially on VK.
- These ads promise rear-area roles, but recruits might still end up in combat zones.
- Russian military recruitment ads rose 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year.
- The use of phrases like "quiet service" and "no front line" in ads is a new tactic.
- OpenMinds says actual recruitment numbers are lower than the official targets.
- The Russian economy is suffering due to sanctions, making high salaries less feasible for recruitment.
