Ukraine's intel reveals Russia meets conscription targets with big payouts
Photo: Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi (Getty Images)
Russian forces have conscripted about 280,000 personnel into the army since the start of the year. Each month, roughly 35,000 troops are drafted, Vadym Skibitskyi, Deputy Chief of the Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, said in an interview with Ukrinform.
Skibitsky said all signs now indicate that Russia will meet its recruitment target by the end of the year. The country's efforts rely on two pillars: finances and propaganda.
"Russia recruits at least 35,000 service members every month. As of September 1, 2025, the Kremlin has conscripted about 280,000 personnel under contract," Skibitsky said.
He added that Russia attracts recruits with large payments. Currently, the average reward is about two million rubles for signing a first contract.
"Everything points to them fully meeting their recruitment plan by year-end," the deputy chief concluded.
Contract soldiers are only part of Russia's manpower reserve. Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, warned that another mobilization could occur, posing a serious threat.
Recently, the Center for National Resistance of Ukraine reported that Russia plans to speed up the mobilization of Ukrainians in temporarily occupied territories. The occupiers are expected to rely on conscripting draftees and coercing detainees and prisoners.
The Center for Countering Disinformation also noted that Russia has discussed forming "gamer troops," allegedly capable of learning drone operations faster. In reality, this is part of a covert mobilization effort.
