
Russian recruitment stabilizes at 1,000 per day
Russian recruitment has slowed down this year, but there are no signs of a collapse yet. Meanwhile, recruitment costs are at an all-time high, and payments to intermediaries are increasing.
Russia & Economics
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Russian recruitment has slowed down this year, but there are no signs of a collapse yet. Meanwhile, recruitment costs are at an all-time high, and payments to intermediaries are increasing.

Russian budget data suggests that the number of contract soldiers fighting in Ukraine has risen to around 550,000, while fewer than 170,000 mobilized soldiers remain.

The actual legwork in Russia’s recruitment machine is done by local authorities. Municipal reports reveal a strictly hierarchical, multilayered system.

With classified expenditures at a record high, nearly half of all federal budget spending went to the military in Q1 2026.

The latest federal budget data confirms a slowdown in recruitment to around 800 per day in Q1, but newer regional data shows stabilization at closer to 1,000 per day in April-May 2026.

Despite further increases in sign-on bonuses, Russian recruitment fell to approximately 800 per day in early 2026. Meanwhile, regions paid compensation for 250–300 killed soldiers per day.

As Russian regions shoulder more war costs and social security funds are depleted, the consolidated budget balance has deteriorated far more than expected.

Russia's spending data for Q3/2025 shows no slowdown in military spending. Also, the recruitment puzzle from Q2 has been solved.

Officially, Russia expects a budget deficit of 2.6% of GDP this year. It will be closer to 3.5% of GDP unless a miracle happens.

According to regional data, Russian recruitment is still stable. Several regions lowered their bonuses. Payouts to families of killed soldiers indicate a high rate of Russian losses.