Russia plans to recruit at least 126,000 “special contingent” soldiers to replace losses in the war against Ukraine, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Defense Ministry (HUR).
According to the HUR, in 2025, Russia will focus on the “special contingent” forces to replace losses in its occupying army.
“In 2025, to replenish the losses of the occupying army in the war against Ukraine, the aggressor state, Russia, plans to recruit at least 126,000 soldiers from the so-called ‘special contingent’,” the Ukrainian Intelligence Agency’s statement says.
Specifically, this refers to Russians who are serving prison sentences, are under investigation, have financial debts, or have other issues.
“On average, to cover the losses of the occupying army, Moscow plans to mobilize 10,000 people from the ‘special contingent’ each month,” the HUR statement adds.
Overall, Russia intends to mobilize at least 280,000 soldiers in 2025 to replace losses in military units and formations in the war against Ukraine.
Related:
- Second underground school opens in war-time Kharkiv
- Air defenses intercept 50 out of 72 Russian drones across Ukraine
- Ukraine’s new Vampire systems down Russian Kh-59 missile for first time
- Ukrainian air defenses down over 500 Russian drones over week
