August 28, 2022

A Deadly Goal


A Deadly Goal
Russian soldiers in 2008, pulling out of Gori, Georgia. Flickr, Bohan_伯韩 Shen_沈

President Putin has signed a new decree to add another 137,000 troops to the armed forces in coming months. Prior to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia had over 900,000 active troops and another 2,000,000 in reserve. Currently, there are over a 1,000,000 military personnel and almost 900,000 civilian staff.

The new decree comes after many months of disappointing recruitment efforts. It turns out that not many Russian men are interested in joining the fight in Ukraine, and best estimates are that 70-80,000 Russian troops have been killed in what was supposed to be a quick, decisive war.

The decree will come into force January 1, but recruitment pushes have been underway for some time, including cash incentives and benefits for those who are incarcerated but have combat experience.

While Russia denies using conscripts in the war, the new decree does not clarify whether the new recruits will be volunteers or draftees.

You Might Also Like

The Not-too-Mighty Russian Armed Forces
  • July 24, 2022

The Not-too-Mighty Russian Armed Forces

It's been four months, and Ukraine is still standing. The front lines have hardly moved in ten weeks. Is this the Russian army everyone so feared?
Grounded for Life
  • August 19, 2022

Grounded for Life

A Russian airbase situated behind the frontlines receives an alarmingly powerful attack.
One Prison to the Next
  • July 19, 2022

One Prison to the Next

Russian prisoners with military experience are being recruited to join the fight in Ukraine.
Revealing Images
  • April 20, 2022

Revealing Images

“Now everyone can see a variety of Russian launchers, intercontinental ballistic missile mines, command posts, and secret landfills with a resolution of about 0.5 meters per pixel.” – The Ukrainian Armed Forces on Google Maps removing blur for Russian military sites
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas
October 01, 2013

The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas

This exciting new trilogy by a Russian author – who has been compared to Orhan Pamuk and Umberto Eco – vividly recreates a lost world, yet its passions and characters are entirely relevant to the present day. Full of mystery, memorable characters, and non-stop adventure, The Pet Hawk of the House of Abbas is a must read for lovers of historical fiction and international thrillers.

 
Life Stories
September 01, 2009

Life Stories

The Life Stories collection is a nice introduction to contemporary Russian fiction: many of the 19 authors featured here have won major Russian literary prizes and/or become bestsellers. These are life-affirming stories of love, family, hope, rebirth, mystery and imagination, masterfully translated by some of the best Russian-English translators working today. The selections reassert the power of Russian literature to affect readers of all cultures in profound and lasting ways. Best of all, 100% of the profits from the sale of this book are going to benefit Russian hospice—not-for-profit care for fellow human beings who are nearing the end of their own life stories.

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Faith & Humor
December 01, 2011

Faith & Humor

A book that dares to explore the humanity of priests and pilgrims, saints and sinners, Faith & Humor has been both a runaway bestseller in Russia and the focus of heated controversy – as often happens when a thoughtful writer takes on sacred cows. The stories, aphorisms, anecdotes, dialogues and adventures in this volume comprise an encyclopedia of modern Russian Orthodoxy, and thereby of Russian life.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955