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Moscow's intensified efforts to bolster its military forces amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine are underscored by substantial financial incentives offered to new recruits. The city government's promise of a 5.2 million rouble (~Rs 50,00,000) first-year compensation package for contract soldiers highlights the urgency of their recruitment drive. This financial incentive, more than five times the national average wage, aims to attract residents to enlist in the army.
However, economists raise concerns about the potential economic repercussions of such generous payments, warning that they could trigger wage inflation across other sectors. Despite these incentives, Moscow has struggled to meet its recruitment goals, lagging behind other regions in the proportion of its population volunteering for military service.
While the financial compensation package includes bonuses, salaries, and benefits, the grim reality of the conflict is evident in the high casualty rates faced by Russian forces. Reports indicate that Russia has lost a significant number of its troops and tanks since the invasion began, with tens of thousands killed or wounded in recent months alone.
President Putin's order to increase military personnel by 170,000 reflects the escalating need for soldiers. This expansion comes despite a previous suspension of the mobilization campaign, which claimed to have met its target of 300,000 personnel. Russia's recruitment efforts have extended beyond its borders, with reports suggesting the enlistment of foreign fighters from various countries.
The human cost of the conflict is staggering, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces suffering heavy casualties. Social media platforms are filled with graphic footage depicting the brutal realities of the war, highlighting the human toll of the ongoing conflict.
Despite the Kremlin's efforts to attract and retain soldiers, the war in Ukraine continues to inflict immense suffering on both sides. The escalating recruitment drive and reliance on financial incentives underscore the challenges faced by Russia in sustaining its military campaign, with no clear end in sight.
