Russian authorities are preparing a campaign to recruit 400,000 “volunteer” soldiers to join the army, but regional authorities are likely to resort to coercion to meet recruitment quotas set by Moscow, Britain’s Ministry of Defense has said.

The number of troops the Kremlin wants even exceeds 300,000 under the “partial mobilization” announced by Vladimir Putin in September. At the end of October, Defense Minister Serhiy Shoigu said that this quota had been reached and that “no other similar measures are planned.”

Many were sent to fight in Ukraine, where Russian forces suffered huge losses, sometimes over 1,000 soldiers per day (according to Ukrainian estimates), especially during the unsuccessful winter offensive.

The “volunteer model” is unlikely to be respected by the regional authorities

British military experts said on Thursday morning that the Kremlin wants to avoid disturbing internal waters by recruiting “volunteers”:

• “Reports in the Russian media indicate that the authorities are preparing to launch a large military recruitment drive with the aim of bringing in an additional 400,000 soldiers.
• Russia presents it as a campaign of voluntary and professional recruitment, not a new mandatory mobilization.
• There is a real possibility that this distinction will in fact be ignored and regional authorities will try to meet their recruitment targets by forcing people to join the service.
• It is likely that the Russian authorities have decided to cover their personnel deficit with the help of the so-called “volunteer model” in order to minimize internal disputes, and it is unlikely that this campaign will attract 400,000 real volunteers.
• However, restoring Russia’s military power in Ukraine will require more than just personnel; Russia needs more ammunition and military equipment than it currently has.”

Men who qualify are promised thousands of dollars and numerous benefits

The Associated Press also reported on Sunday that a new campaign is underway across Russia this spring seeking recruits to rebuild its army for the war in Ukraine.

“The ads promise cash bonuses and attractive benefits. Recruiters call men who meet the requirements. Admissions committees cooperate with universities and social services to attract students and the unemployed,” the source said.

For example, in the announcement of the municipal administration in the west of the Yaroslavl region, they promise an allowance for joining the army in the amount of about 3,800 dollars, and for those who are sent to Ukraine, a monthly salary of up to 2,500 dollars plus about 100 dollars a day for “participation in active offensive actions.” and $650 “for each kilometer of advance within the assault groups.”

The notice said the soldier would also benefit from tax breaks and loan repayments, preferential university admission status for his children, generous compensation for his family if he is wounded or killed in action, and war veteran status, which provides more more benefits