Ukraine's intelligence reveals who Russia recruits for war against Ukraine

This was reported by Ukraine's Main Directorate of Intelligence (known by its Ukrainian acronym HUR).

"In 2025, to compensate for losses in the occupying army during the war against Ukraine, the aggressor state Russia plans to recruit at least 126,000 soldiers from the so-called special contingent," the statement reads.

The report specifies that this refers to Russians who are serving prison sentences, are under investigation, have outstanding loans, or face other legal issues.

On average, Russia plans to mobilize 10,000 "special contingent" individuals per month to cover its losses.

"In total, to replace losses in its existing military units and formations in the war against Ukraine, the aggressor state Russia intends to mobilize at least 280,000 occupiers in 2025," intelligence officials added.

• Over the past day, the Russian army has lost 1,270 soldiers in Ukraine. Ukrainian defense forces also destroyed multiple enemy vehicles, including four Russian tanks.