Putin Ramps Up Recruitment of Women as Humiliating Losses Mount

Live updates

1. 19d ago

   Russia Ramps Up Female Recruitment Amid Losses

   Russia is increasing recruitment of women to fight in Ukraine as losses mount. The Kremlin is using various tactics, including advertising Defense Ministry contracts to students and targeting women for non-combat roles. Forced enlistments are also on the rise, with reports of intimidating tactics and seizures of civilians off the streets.

   Why it matters

   The development comes as Russia faces mounting losses in the war with Ukraine. The Kremlin's efforts to boost recruitment suggest a significant escalation of the conflict. Russia's military has struggled to make gains in Ukraine, and the recruitment of women is seen as a way to replenish troops.

   What is confirmed

   • Forty-seven of Russia's top 50 universities are advertising Defense Ministry contracts to students.
   • Forced enlistments are on the rise across Russia, with reports of intimidating tactics.
   • Russia is increasing recruitment of women to fight in Ukraine.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A man in Russia's Penza region was seized off the street and forced to sign a military contract.

   What to watch next

   • The number of women enlisting in the Russian military.
   • The response of the international community to Russia's increased recruitment efforts.
   • The impact of increased recruitment on the conflict in Ukraine.
   Sources used for this update (9)

   1. Al Jazeera — Russia mobilisation fears grow amid reports of intimidating tactics
   2. Euronews.com — Mobilisation fears grip Russians as Moscow's forced recruitment spikes
   3. The Moscow Times — Anti-War NGO Reports Rise in Forced Enlistments Across Russia
   4. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Aggressive Recruiters Are Rounding Up Russians To Fight In Ukraine. In One Town, They're Pushing Back
   5. Meduza — Новости — Forty-seven of Russia’s 50 top universities are advertising Defense Ministry contracts to students, investigation finds
   6. The Daily Beast — Putin Ramps Up Recruitment of Women as Humiliating Losses Mount
   7. The Moscow Times — Russia Steps Up Recruitment of Women for Ukraine War – Vot Tak
   8. Meduza — Новости — Russian recruiters are promising non-combat jobs. But they’re offering only standard military contracts — and one ad used a wounded soldier’s photo.
   9. Новая газета Европа — Man in Russia's Penza region was seized off street and forced to sign military contract, his mother says
   confidence 80%