Russia's Covert Recruitment Tactics Amid Ukraine Conflict

Russia is shifting its focus from mobilization to encouraging voluntary enlistment as contract soldiers for its military. The Defense Ministry plans to recruit 521,000 contract servicemen in 2023. Moscow City Hall has launched a new site, hotline, and Telegram chatbot for those interested in joining the military, with no mention of Ukraine. The State Duma is revising a bill on military conscription procedures to incorporate digital summonses issued via Gosuslugi. The state's goal is to give military training to as many people as possible, with the hope that they will sign a contract after their military service and become regular soldiers who can be dispatched to the frontlines.