By Matt Underwood 
Russia is calling up reservists for war zones as losses mount in Ukraine, a move that underscores the escalating pressures and challenges the Russian military is facing. It’s a clear indication of the growing strain on their forces, forcing them to dip further into their available manpower. This isn’t just about replacing casualties; it’s also about maintaining a presence and attempting to achieve strategic goals in a conflict that has already dragged on far longer than initially anticipated. The fact that they are resorting to this level of mobilization speaks volumes about the severity of the situation.
They’re apparently cutting signing bonuses. This is a pretty obvious sign of the times. When resources are stretched thin, and the demand for manpower is high, the first cuts often come in the form of financial incentives. It’s a stark contrast to the initial promises and bonuses that often accompany military recruitment, signaling a shift towards desperation and a more pressing need to fill ranks. The term “meat cube” comes to mind, highlighting the perceived lack of value placed on human life in this conflict.
The historical perspective is grim, with the memory of the First World War and the immense loss of life that preceded the Russian Revolution. The idea of two million military deaths being a catalyst for societal collapse is a stark warning. Now, the demographic consequences are also going to be immense for both Russia and Ukraine in the future. This war is a slow bleed, a drain on the populations and economies of both countries, shaping their futures in ways that are difficult to fully comprehend right now. The “fertilizing sunflowers” reference is a grim acknowledgment of the ultimate fate of many of these reservists.
Reports indicate they’re running short on equipment and supplies, not just people, which is another layer to the complexity of this situation. Even if they can find enough bodies to fill the ranks, they still need to equip them. This, in itself, is a massive logistical undertaking, and it speaks to the overall state of Russia’s military industrial complex. The possibility of nepotism being a factor, like the suggestion of Peskov’s son, paints a picture of a regime that is more concerned with protecting its own than providing fair treatment to the populace.
The average Russian civilian’s reaction to the ongoing situation remains a significant question. Apathy, forced silence, ignorance, or helplessness? It’s hard to gauge the true sentiment of the population under such an authoritarian regime. How can a population be okay with the potential slaughter of their loved ones? It’s difficult to reconcile the death of a loved one for any cause, and the idea of “voluntold” further highlights the coercion that might be used to ensure participation in the conflict. The implications of losing in war are also very clear.
This is probably not the first time this headline has appeared. There’s a palpable sense of weariness surrounding the whole situation. The descriptions of the kind of recruits coming in paint a vivid picture: poorly trained, poorly equipped and often in poor health. Now the “ruzzkies” supposedly have a reserve of somewhat young and trained people.
Russia’s population today is about 25% smaller than it was during the tumultuous times of the Russian Revolution. While the situation might not be the same, history offers a certain warning. There is a sense that reality has not broken through the propaganda curtain for the majority of the Russian population, so a major shift in attitude might be still yet to come.
The Afghan War, which saw significantly fewer deaths than are anticipated in the Ukrainian conflict, was a contributing factor to the collapse of the USSR. This comparison highlights the potential for this current conflict to become a similarly significant factor in Russia’s trajectory. The economic strain and resource shortages, which are exacerbated by the war, could cause the revolution, especially with already strained social structures. It wasn’t necessarily the number of deaths that sparked the revolution but the underlying strain the war put upon an already fragile empire.
Russia is betting that they will control Ukraine. This would mean an increase of 20-30 million people. They are also short on people, as the front lines are sparse. Small group tactics and drone warfare have become the standard methods of combat on both sides. Russia can offset the lack of equipment with waves of troops. The situation is likely to be particularly hard for poorer ethnic Russian women, who may be forced into undesirable situations.
The legal aspect is important here, as a law change allows them to call up reservists for foreign conflicts. Previously, they were restricted in how they could use reservists. The regime seems to follow laws, even if it’s often superficial. It is very interesting when this occurs. And the current army has to purchase equipment from the likes of eBay. It’s a clear picture of how strained and under-resourced the military is. True revolution takes real suffering, and it is unlikely to happen as long as the citizens are able to afford food and heat.