Concerns Rise Over Coercive Military Recruitment Tactics in Russia

As fears of a renewed military mobilization in Russia grow, reports from various regions indicate troubling tactics employed to recruit men into the armed forces. In Orenburg, 26-year-old Sasha, who suffers from health issues, shares his distress over the looming threat of recruitment despite holding a Category V military ID, which typically exempts him from service.

Since mid-2025, Sasha and his girlfriend have battled declining mental health, exacerbated by the pervasive atmosphere of fear and intimidation. "I don’t go outside unless it’s urgent and try never to be alone," he admitted, revealing that he carries pepper spray to defend against potential aggression. Reports from Penza, located about 625 km southeast of Moscow, depict scenes reminiscent of wartime recruitment tactics, with plainclothes individuals allegedly forcing men into vehicles bound for recruitment centers.

Local authorities have denied these accounts, claiming they only target men who have evaded previous drafts. However, inconsistencies abound, as some residents have reported being summoned to police stations and coerced into signing military contracts under duress, including threats of violence or legal repercussions.

Mikhail Liberov from the Conscientious Objectors Movement suggests that recruiters are specifically targeting vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction or mental health issues. “They select the right targets who are susceptible to seduction, deception, or blackmail,” he explained.

Recent incidents in Penza have sparked fears of a broader mobilization effort, which many expect could coincide with an anticipated Russian offensive this winter. Activist Liberov believes that unless a major political shift occurs, the likelihood of mobilization remains high, especially with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The war has already taken a severe toll, with estimates of nearly 450,000 Russian soldiers lost since the invasion began in early 2022.

Despite previous mobilization efforts being curtailed after two months in late 2022, the existing decree remains active. Recruitment has continued through various means, including enticing prisoners with the promise of financial rewards. However, by late 2025, voluntary enlistment reportedly halved as public sentiment toward the war soured.

Vladimir, a 35-year-old from Ulan-Ude who has served previously, expresses his apprehension regarding potential draft notices. “I am preparing for a possible draft,” he said, advocating for alternative civilian service should he be called upon. Under Russian law, those with moral objections to military service can apply for such alternatives, which often involve jobs in civil sectors.

Additionally, speculation surrounding mass mobilization has been fueled by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s claims of secret preparations by the Kremlin. Yet, as Russia grapples with budget constraints and a lack of skilled personnel, the quality of recruits remains a critical concern. Analyst Oleg Ignatov notes that while quantity may be a factor, the pressing need is for well-trained soldiers capable of modern warfare.

Source: www.aljazeera.com