Russia has brought in nearly 280,000 contract servicemen since the start of 2025, with around 35,000 new recruits joining each month, Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR) said in an interview published 7 August.

Russia’s ability to steadily recruit tens of thousands of soldiers each month is central to its war effort. Ukraine’s military intelligence says this manpower allows Moscow to offset heavy battlefield losses and sustain operations. 

With a far larger population, Russia relies heavily on sheer numbers to pressure and wear down Ukraine’s much smaller armed forces.

Vadym Skibitskyi, deputy head of HUR, told Ukrinform that the Kremlin continues to meet its targets through financial incentives and propaganda.

“Unfortunately, they have the resources, backed by money and propaganda,” he said. New recruits are offered payments of up to 2 million rubles ($21,000) when signing their first contract.

“There are clear signs they will fully meet their recruitment plan by the end of the year,” Skibitskyi added.