3 articles
Russia faces a severe military recruitment crisis, resorting to hefty financial incentives and facing public distrust. The Kremlin's desperate measures to bolster its ranks are linked to the costly 2022 draft exodus and an increasingly unpopular war effort. Growing societal divisions and financial strain suggest the current situation could pose a significant challenge to Vladimir Putin's regime.
A new investigation reveals the Russian military's widespread use of "zeroing out," a practice of systemic abuse, extortion, and violence against soldiers by their own commanders. This internal brutality is reportedly fueling morale collapse, driving desertions, and paradoxically serving as a tool for the Kremlin to maintain offensive momentum despite immense human cost.
Russia is facing a severe economic crisis marked by business closures, high inflation, and a growing budget deficit, exacerbated by war costs and sanctions. Even state media acknowledges the widespread hardship, as consumer power dwindles and vital sectors like oil and defense struggle with funding shortages.
