Sun 21 May 2023:
Former president Dmitry Medvedev claimed on Friday that more than 100,000 people had joined the Russian army this year as Moscow looks to enlist volunteers for its operation in Ukraine.
As Kyiv prepares for an onslaught after months of stalemate in eastern Ukraine, Moscow has recently engaged in a vigorous military recruitment drive.
“Between January 1 and May 19, 117,400 people have been accepted into the ranks of the armed forces on a contractual basis and as part of our voluntary formations,” Medvedev said.
Mededev, who is now deputy chairman of the Kremlin’s Security Council, said Russianofficials were continuing to recruit soldiers on contract.
In September, President Vladimir Putin announced a “partial” military mobilization — Russia’s first since World War II — sending shock waves across the country and prompting tens of thousands to flee.
Unwilling to announce a second mobilization drive, Moscow has instead opted for a massive PR campaign, hoping to lure Russians with financial incentives.
The aims of the authorities are unknown, but according to various estimates, Moscow may be looking to enlist 400,000 volunteers.
Sergei Shoigu, the Russian minister of defense, stated in December that a 1.5 million combat troop augmentation was required.
Russian authorities have not disclosed the current losses but in September the defence ministry said nearly 6,000 Russian troops had died in Ukraine.
Around 150,000 Russian soldiers and around 150,000 Ukrainian soldiers have reportedly been killed or injured, according to Western estimates.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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