Summary:
Between March 2022 and September 2024, over 363,000 advertisements for contract services were posted on Russian social media platform VK. The focus on recruiting “volunteers” through contracts is seen as a covert mobilisation practice by the state. The surge in promotions in August and September 2024 was due to the Ukrainian army’s incursion into the Kursk region.
The Russian government uses various strategies to recruit individuals, with high salaries, social benefits, and patriotic sentiments being the most popular. Financial incentives, including significant one-time payments, have led to a rise in interest in contract service among Russians.
Pro-Kremlin bots have been used to artificially improve attitudes towards contract service, with a notable increase in positive sentiment in August and September 2024. Despite the positive comments, there is evidence that many of them may have been generated by bots or employees.
The extensive advertising of contract services reflects Russia’s struggle to sustain military efforts in Ukraine. The economic strain of high payments and military spending could lead to further mobilisation efforts in the future.
Conclusion:
The promotion of contract services is a way for Russia to recruit soldiers without officially declaring a new wave of mobilisation, addressing the need for more personnel to support military efforts and combat losses in various regions.
High financial incentives for recruits have increased interest in contract service but could strain the Russian economy in the long run. The regime may face challenges in maintaining these incentives, potentially resulting in the need for a new wave of mobilisation.