Putin Turns to Criminals and Hooligans for Troop Reinforcements in Ukraine

The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted Vladimir Putin to seek alternative sources of manpower, turning to criminals, the homeless, and football hooligans in a bid to strengthen his military ranks. The significant loss of approximately one million frontline soldiers has led to this drastic shift, avoiding further unpopular recruitment drives. Since September 2022, when a "partial mobilization" was ordered, foreign nationals have been allowed to enlist, with reports confirming that thousands of North Korean troops have joined Russian forces.

The initial mobilization effort was met with resistance, causing many potential recruits to flee the country as military recruiters aggressively sought new soldiers. Recent leaks indicate that Russian military officials now refer to these individuals as "second-rate infantry," meant to deplete Ukrainian forces before conventional troops engage. The military's approach has involved visiting homeless shelters and prisons, as well as making illegal overtures to football hooligans to enlist them as conscripts.

military contracts from the Defense Ministry that extend until the conflict is resolved and the quasi-legal operation of Redut, which lacks the same guaranteed benefits but offers more leeway on health and legal criteria.

Despite the various options available to potential recruits, Systema's investigation suggests military leaders consider them expendable, meant to serve as fodder to advance Russia's war efforts incrementally. A recorded conversation revealed lawmakers perceiving these volunteers as "inferior soldiers," intended to wear down enemy strength until regular forces can take their place. Redut's establishment reportedly allows individuals to evade certain legal and financial responsibilities, leading to thousands of new volunteers enlisting in recent months. Figures from former President Dmitry Medvedev suggest that 18,000 volunteers have joined the frontline alongside an estimated 210,000 official contracts, although expert analyses estimate the number may be lower.

As tensions escalate, international responses have intensified, with U.S. President Donald Trump issuing a 50-day ultimatum to Putin, suggesting severe tariffs if the military actions in Ukraine do not cease. Former President Medvedev dismissed these demands as mere theatrics, signaling that Russia remains undeterred in its military campaign. The ongoing conflict has resulted in increased civilian casualties, reminiscent of the earlier days of the war, as Russia intensifies its air strikes using advanced weaponry.