Russia Seeks 400,000 More Recruits as Latest Ukraine Push Stalls
The Kremlin worries a new mobilization would be politically unpopular, dials back plans for offensive.
A destroyed Russian tank near Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials see limits to Russia’s ability to keep fighting as it runs down stocks of weapons.
Photographer: Mykhaylo Palinchak/Getty ImagesThis article is for subscribers only.
The Kremlin has dialed back plans for a further offensive in Ukraine this spring after failing to gain much ground and will focus on blunting a new push by Kyiv’s forces expected to begin soon.
Digging in for a long fight, the Kremlin is seeking to sign up as many as 400,000 contract soldiers this year to replenish its ranks, according to people familiar with the planning who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss matters that aren’t public.