(MOSCOW) – The Russian dictator, Vladimir Putin, is reportedly facing a critical depletion of both financial and human reserves, necessitating a transition toward general conscription to sustain the war of attrition against Ukraine. Despite the Kremlin’s initial promises of a rapid victory, the conflict has now exceeded the duration of the Second World War for the Soviet Union, leaving the Russian military struggling to replenish mounting frontline losses.
Analyses of legislation introduced in late 2025 and recent recruitment drives at universities and on urban streets indicate that a formal mobilisation may be imminent. Experts suggest such a move represents a significant risk to the regime’s stability, as the 2022 partial mobilisation triggered a “brain drain” of one million citizens, including IT specialists and entrepreneurs, and provoked widespread public backlash.
The Kremlin’s ability to recruit contract soldiers has been severely hampered by a deteriorating fiscal landscape. The federal budget deficit for 2025 reached a record 5.65 trillion roubles ($73.6 billion), far exceeding the original 0.5% GDP target. Projections for 2026 suggest the deficit could reach 3.8 trillion roubles ($49.5 billion) or higher if energy revenues continue to slump. Consequently, many regions have minimised or suspended contract payments, causing a sharp decline in volunteers.
In January alone, Ukraine neutralised approximately 9,000 more Russian soldiers than the Kremlin managed to conscript. Monthly losses are estimated at 35,000 personnel. Reports indicate that Russia’s casualties are now 17 times higher than those sustained during the Soviet-Afghan War, a conflict that contributed to the collapse of the USSR.
Economic mismanagement and falling oil prices have left major state entities, including Russian Railways and Gazprom, in financial distress. Social sectors are also affected; teachers in at least ten regions have reported delays in federal salary bonuses. Amidst these pressures, the Russian dictator has sought “foreign volunteers” from Asian and African nations, often deploying them with minimal training.
While the Kremlin continues to suppress information, the recent blocking of the Telegram messaging service highlights an attempt to control the narrative regarding military and financial losses.
