The Kremlin continues to view the size of its military as Russia’s main advantage over Ukraine; however, Kyiv’s superiority in tactical drones across the entire theater of operations and its campaign of medium-range strikes have neutralized this advantage.
According to Ukrinform, this is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
The Institute’s experts drew attention to an article by the publication “Vazhnye Istorii,” which, citing data on Russia’s federal budget expenditures, reported that in the first quarter of 2026, 71,200 people received one-time enlistment bonuses after signing military service contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense, which is 20% fewer than a year earlier.
The publication also noted that 363,900 people signed contracts with the Russian Defense Ministry in 2025, a 10% decrease from 2024.
Russia is facing increasing difficulties in recruiting new conscripts amid rising casualties and is forced to call up reservists, increase bonuses, and expand covert mobilization efforts to overcome the recruitment shortfall, the report states.
