Kremlin calls up 20,000 soldiers per month but they lack morale and high-quality training

Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine's Ministry of Defense, shared this information in an interview on Espreso.

"Over 20,000 people are being recruited every month through various means. This includes recruitment from among convicts, debtors, and certain disadvantaged sections of the population. There's no mention of volunteers. Conscript mobilization proceeds as planned. They use financial incentives for recruitment, or if someone doesn't sign a contract, they threaten with sanctions," Yusov explained.

Yusov revealed that the Russian command often uses "forced contract signing" with former military personnel. 

"They are called to the Military Commissariat for a check-up, where they sign a contract. In essence, once they sign, they rarely return, as they could face criminal charges or other life problems if they refuse. This is how some end up on the front lines," he said.

Yusov emphasized, "It's not about these people being motivated by ideology or love for their homeland, especially in depressed regions. It's simply a desire to make money. We've all seen reports of Russians stealing appliances like washing machines and refrigerators from Ukrainians."

Yusov also noted that the Kremlin prefers secretive mobilization and avoids widely involving the population of the European part of Russia in the conflict. 

He stated, "Mobilization measures are mostly discreet. They haven't initiated another public mobilization wave yet, though such decisions have been considered. The population in central and metropolitan regions remains cautious. While public opinion doesn't matter there, the Kremlin is wary of a potential uprising."

Yusov added that even in this situation, the Russian economy is feeling the impact of a shortage of labor. 

"Russia has a larger mobilization resource than Ukraine, but they face various motivation and quality issues. The Russian economy is already experiencing a labor shortage, particularly in male workers at some enterprises. This problem exists and will worsen."

• As General Mykola Malomuzh, the former head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service, mentioned on Espreso on October 21, Russia is forced to halt active counterattacks in Avdiivka.