Russia is finding it increasingly hard to recruit new soldiers to sustain the war in Ukraine, according to a report based on CNN's assessment. Moscow is using various incentives to maintain the size of its military but is still failing to achieve the expected results.
The report stated that Russian officials are offering money and debt forgiveness to those who sign contracts. Billboard advertising, social media campaigns, and the promise of citizenship are also being used to attract new volunteers.
Despite these efforts, recruitment figures in the first quarter of 2026 were reported to have dropped 20 percent compared with the same period in 2025. The development is placing growing pressure on Russia's need for manpower in the war.
Analysts suggested that a second wave of compulsory mobilization could return to the agenda, alongside existing overseas travel restrictions for military-age men. The initial mobilization in 2022 was not very popular and prompted a large number of Russians to flee the country.
The report also highlighted that the war is deepening labor shortages in the Russian economy. Nigel Gould-Davies of the UK-based International Institute for Strategic Studies said the Russian economy is facing one of its most acute labor shortages in history.
The outflow of men to the front is widening the civilian labor gap, while defense industry plants have reached their capacity limits. Even though wages are rising, they are lagging behind inflation.