Fact Check: Russia recruits 40,000-45,000 men for military every month.

Fact Check: "Russia recruits 40,000-45,000 men for military every month."

What We Know

The claim that Russia recruits between 40,000 and 45,000 men for its military each month has been supported by statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. He indicated that this recruitment rate is part of Russia's ongoing military efforts amid the conflict in Ukraine (Kyiv Independent, Yahoo). Reports suggest that while Russia has utilized various methods for recruitment, including financial incentives and the mobilization of prisoners, the number of new recruits remains significant.

Additionally, the Russian government has been reported to aim for a total of 2.4 million personnel in its armed forces, which includes a mix of contract soldiers and conscripts (Yahoo). The recruitment strategy has evolved since the initial mobilization phases, with many new soldiers being volunteers attracted by substantial signing bonuses (Kyiv Independent).

Analysis

The assertion that Russia recruits 40,000-45,000 men monthly is corroborated by multiple sources, including direct statements from President Zelensky (Yahoo, Kyiv Independent). While some reports suggest that the actual recruitment numbers may vary, with estimates ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 recruits per month (Financial Times, Moscow Times), the figures provided by Zelensky are consistent with the broader context of Russia's military mobilization efforts.

It is important to note that the reliability of these figures can be influenced by the sources reporting them. Ukrainian sources may have a vested interest in portraying Russian military mobilization in a certain light, particularly given the ongoing conflict. However, independent assessments and analyses from organizations like the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have also indicated that Russia's recruitment efforts are substantial, although they may not always align with official Russian government claims (ISW).

Furthermore, the context of the recruitment, including the use of coercive measures against soldiers who refuse to fight, adds complexity to the situation. Reports of over 20,000 Russian soldiers prosecuted for refusing to fight highlight the pressures within the Russian military system (Kyiv Independent).

Conclusion

Based on the evidence presented, the claim that Russia recruits 40,000-45,000 men for its military every month is True. This figure is supported by statements from credible sources, including Ukrainian officials and independent media reports. While there may be variations in the actual numbers, the consensus aligns with the claim made.