WorldPolitics

Russia's 'hidden mobilization': The 'expendable' lives fueling Putin's war on Ukraine

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Based on a feed excerpt; full article content has not been acquired. Source evidence retrieved 12/11/2026, 07:53:24 UTC.

Briefings

A senior researcher at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre argues that Russia's invasion of Ukraine disproportionately recruits soldiers from poorer, marginalized communities, viewing them as expendable 'cannon fodder' rather than strategic assets. This selection bias is intended to minimize organized opposition from these groups, though the specific demographic breakdown and the strategic intent behind this recruitment strategy remain unverified.

Key points

• The Kremlin has disproportionately recruited soldiers from poorer and politically marginalised communities, including ethnic minority regions, to sustain the invasion.
• Recruited individuals are described as 'cannon fodder' due to their perceived expendability, with the goal of minimizing organized opposition from these groups.

Context

John Lough, Senior Research Fellow at the New Eurasian Strategies Centre, provides a sobering assessment of the social dynamics sustaining Russia's invasion of Ukraine, highlighting the strategic rationale behind the recruitment of specific demographics.

Limitations

The evidence is limited to a single researcher's assessment without broader statistical data or corroborating reports. Specific numbers, dates, or the exact strategic intent behind the 'expendable' classification are not provided.

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