Russia seeks to recruit up to 400,000 contract soldiers in 2024 - UK intelligence

According to the intelligence report, the spring draft in Russia began on April 1. This spring, the enemy plans to draft around 150,000 soldiers aged 18-30, which is consistent with previous draft numbers.

"Conscripts are employed in garrisons across Russia. In land units they generally form a battalion separate from the battalions staffed by contract service soldiers. Some conscript soldiers likely serve in Russia adjacent to the Ukraine border in units providing border security," the report adds.

The enemy's forces in Ukraine are composed of contract soldiers and some reservists mobilized at the end of 2022. Pressure is usually exerted on conscripts to join the contract service, as they would then be liable for service in Ukraine. Presumably, Russia does not want to risk losses among conscripts as it is "unpopular." Meanwhile, losses among volunteers are more tolerated in society.

"Russia seeks to recruit around 400,000 contract service personnel in 2024. This is to sustain its forces in Ukraine, which have suffered huge losses, and support its announced plans to increase the size of the armed forces to 1.32 million this year and 1.5 million subsequently," the report says.

Mobilization in Russia

As Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, Russia plans to mobilize 300,000 soldiers by June 1.

British intelligence previously reported that the terrorist country recruits around 30,000 new soldiers each month, allowing it to continue its aggressive war against Ukraine.

At the end of March, dictator Vladimir Putin also signed a decree for the spring draft into the Russian army, planning to recruit 150,000 soldiers.