KYIV, Ukraine — In a significant move underscoring the urgent manpower needs of its military, Russian President Vladimir Putin has officially sanctioned a new law providing substantial debt relief for individuals who enlist in the armed forces, particularly as the conflict in Ukraine extends into its third year.
This legislative change, detailed in its final form on a government website last Saturday, highlights the Kremlin’s ongoing struggle to secure enough military personnel amidst escalating international tensions, even as they recently test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. This development is emblematic of Russia’s desperate measures to bolster its military capabilities.
As reported by the Russian state news outlet Interfax, the recently enacted legislation permits individuals who agree to a one-year military contract to erase outstanding debts that can reach up to 10 million rubles, equivalent to approximately $96,000 U.S. The law specifically addresses debts that have resulted in court-ordered collections and enforcement actions initiated prior to December 1, 2024, and it also extends these benefits to the spouses of the new recruits.
In an aggressive attempt to expand its military ranks, Russia has been significantly increasing recruitment efforts by proffering financial incentives that often far exceed the average income, outpacing traditional salary models for those willing to face the dangers of combat in Ukraine. This strategy seeks to fulfill military needs without resorting to another mandatory mobilization order, especially after a previous “partial mobilization” declared in September 2022 triggered a mass exodus of Russian men seeking to evade conscription.
The relentless nature of the ongoing conflict has put tremendous pressure on Russia’s military resources, prompting Putin to call for the addition of 180,000 new personnel to the armed forces in September. Meanwhile, recent reports from the U.S., South Korea, and Ukraine have revealed that North Korea dispatched over 10,000 troops to assist Russia in October, with some of these soldiers now actively participating in combat operations, further complicating an already tense battlefield scenario for Ukraine’s fatigued military.
The push for military recruits coincides with the recent deployment of a new experimental intermediate-range ballistic missile targeting Ukrainian installations on Thursday. Putin has justified this action as a response to Ukraine’s employment of U.S. and U.K.-made missiles capable of striking critical Russian infrastructure.
In a recent exhibit, Ukraine’s Security Service presented remnants of this new missile to the Associated Press, following its recent impact on a factory in the central city of Dnipro. The missile, identified as Oreshnik—Russian for “hazel tree” and reportedly derived from Russia’s RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile design—was still under investigation by local security experts at an undisclosed site, as observers from the AP were allowed to view the debris before it was subsequently collected by investigators.
What remained of the missile were charred wires and a damaged frame comparable in size to a large snow tire, showcasing the lethal potential of a weapon designed to carry either conventional or nuclear warheads. “This is the first instance where remnants of such a missile have been discovered on Ukrainian soil,” remarked an expert from Ukraine’s Security Service, identifying himself only as Oleh due to restrictions on media engagement.
According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, this advanced missile was launched from Russia’s 4th Missile Test Range located in the Astrakhan region and traveled for approximately 15 minutes before striking its target in Dnipro. Notably, the missile was equipped with six warheads, each containing six submunitions, and achieved an impressive peak velocity of 11 times the speed of sound.
In light of the missile strike, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s designated national security adviser, Mike Waltz, addressed concerns on Sunday about the necessity to “get ahead” of potential escalations while advocating for discussions aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiation table. Waltz emphasized that he has engaged in discussions with Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, about crafting U.S. policy and the various options available for addressing the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
“Adversaries who see this as a time of opportunity to play one administration off against the other are sorely mistaken,” Waltz stated decisively. “We are united in purpose; our administration will function cohesively with the current administration throughout this transition.”
The congressman expressed his support for Biden’s recent decision to supply antipersonnel mines for Ukrainian forces, asserting that this move contributes to solidifying defensive lines while also impeding further Russian territorial advancements. “We need to prevent further gains by the adversary,” burst forth Waltz.
Waltz further highlighted Trump’s keen interest in rapidly resolving the conflict, although Trump has consistently refrained from specifying any conditions during his campaign for potential resolutions, even suggesting openness to substantial territorial concessions from Ukraine. When pressed for clarification on any terms Trump might pursue post-inauguration, Waltz chose not to elaborate.
“The president-elect has voiced serious concerns about escalating tensions and the trajectory of this conflict,” Waltz remarked. “We must overcome this situation responsively. Deterrence must be restored, peace is paramount, and we need to anticipate escalatory measures before they unfold!”
In other developments:
— Moscow launched a total of 73 drones into Ukraine overnight into Sunday, with Ukraine’s air force reporting the successful interception of 50, while four appear to have been lost, likely due to electronic countermeasures.
— Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that, over the past week, Russian forces have unleashed a barrage of over 800 guided aerial bombs accompanied by approximately 460 attack drones and more than 20 missiles targeting various locations across Ukraine.
— The Russian Defense Ministry stated that 34 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight into Sunday, across four different western regions of Russia, including Kursk, Lipetsk, Belgorod, and one over Oryol.
In what ways do recent military advancements, such as missile tests, interplay with Russia’s current recruitment efforts to address personnel shortages?
**Interview with Military Analyst Dr. Elena Kovalenko**
**Host:** Welcome, Dr. Kovalenko. Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent developments in Russia’s military recruitment strategy amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** To start, can you tell us about the significance of the new law that President Putin has enacted, offering debt relief for individuals who enlist in the military?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** This law is quite significant as it reflects the Kremlin’s urgent need for manpower as the war drags into its third year. By offering substantial debt relief—up to 10 million rubles, or approximately $96,000—it aims to incentivize enlistment and alleviate potential recruits’ financial burdens. This move suggests that the traditional methods of recruitment may not be sufficient anymore, especially after the previous mobilization efforts led to significant public backlash and a mass exodus of men trying to avoid conscription.
**Host:** You mentioned the backlash from the past mobilization. How has public sentiment influenced these new recruitment strategies?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Public sentiment plays a crucial role. The partial mobilization announced in September 2022 was met with widespread protests and many fled the country to escape conscription. The Kremlin is wary of repeating that scenario. By using financial incentives instead of mandatory drafts, they hope to attract volunteers who might otherwise avoid military service. This shift showcases a desperate attempt to fulfill military needs without the backlash associated with mobilization orders.
**Host:** Alongside recruitment, the Russian military has also tested a new intermediate-range ballistic missile. How do these military developments interact with recruitment efforts?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** The missile tests highlight the intensity of the conflict and Russia’s need to project strength both domestically and internationally. By showcasing technical advancements like the Oreshnik missile, Russia aims to reassure its military and civic audience that it is enhancing its capabilities, even as it struggles with personnel shortages. This dual approach of increasing recruitment while demonstrating military prowess serves to maintain a narrative of strength amidst ongoing challenges.
**Host:** We’ve also heard reports about North Korea sending troops to assist Russia. How does this international dynamic complicate the situation?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** The involvement of North Korean troops adds a new layer of complexity to the conflict. It indicates a deepening relationship between Russia and North Korea, which could potentially alter the balance of forces on the ground in Ukraine. This external support may temporarily alleviate some of Russia’s manpower issues but raises concerns about the long-term implications, such as the potential for increased international tensions and the likelihood of North Korean troops becoming embroiled in a protracted conflict.
**Host:** Lastly, how do you see the future of Russian military strategy evolving given these new developments?
**Dr. Kovalenko:** I believe we will continue to see a blend of financial incentives and military advancements as key strategies for Russia. The Kremlin is likely to maintain these recruitment tactics to build its ranks while also pursuing military technology development to offset the impact of personnel shortages. As the situation evolves, Russia will need to balance its immediate military requirements with the longer-term implications of relying on mercenaries or foreign troops, which could ultimately affect its sovereignty and operational effectiveness.
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Kovalenko, for your insights. It’s clear that the dynamics on the ground are complex and multifaceted.
**Dr. Kovalenko:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic that continues to evolve rapidly.
