Russia intensifies army recruitment amidst rising war losses

Russia continues to bomb Ukrainian cities and villages but is also suffering heavy losses among its military. Therefore, the authorities in the Kremlin want to encourage Russians to join the army by any possible means. Information booths can now be found even at the entrance to the metro.

The fighting in Ukraine is starting to cause increasing losses for the Russian army. In response to the problematic situation, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin recently introduced new decrees aimed at encouraging citizens to enlist in the military. One of the main points is a significant increase in the one-time payment for signing a contract with the Ministry of Defence. It is now 400,000 roubles, or about £3,300.

Until now, those wanting to enter contract service could expect a one-time payment of 195,000 roubles, about £1,640. Provincial authorities have committed to paying an additional 400,000 roubles to those who decide to sign a military contract, bringing the total amount to 800,000 roubles, or about £6,700.

Moreover, a person summoned to the army can receive an "invitation" electronically. Of course, those who receive it cannot leave the country.

However, the authorities in Russia are not the only ones using these methods to encourage residents. They also use daily propaganda flowing straight from television and social media. In the capital, recruiters have taken to the streets, specifically the metro stations.

As reported by the Belsat portal, a mobile recruitment point is located before the entrance to the Kurskaya metro station. It's a unique blue delivery van with a poster of an armed soldier on it. Further in the entrance hall, Russians will find an information point and promotional videos on the ticket machine screens.

Such posters often appear in other provinces as well. Recently, there has been an absolute outrage in the Kursk region.

As reported by the portal "Kommersant," a billboard promoting military service with the slogan "For our people!" featured a soldier holding a child. The problem was that the soldier wore a Ukrainian uniform, which did not sit well with the Russians. The mayor of Kursk removed the poster, and the responsible party was reprimanded.