Russian Mobilization and Force Generation Efforts (Russian objective: Expand combat power without conducting general mobilization)

Russian occupation authorities continue to advertise Russian military service to civilians in occupied Ukraine.The Kherson Oblast occupation administration offered on October 30 a one-time payment of 800,000 rubles (about $8,200) and a 210,000-ruble (about $2,400) minimum monthly salary to individuals who sign contracts with the Russian military.[71] The Kherson Oblast occupation administration advertised that individuals who sign military contracts will receive combat veteran status, which would entitle them to social and economic benefits.

Russian milbloggers continue to voice concerns about the deployment of drone specialists in assault operations, blaming local leadership in occupied Donetsk while deflecting accountability from the Russian military command. A Russian milblogger complained on October 30 that the practice of sending specialists on assaults is a “Donetsk issue” whereby local elites act against Moscow’s intentions in an effort to prevent federal authorities from intervening.[72] The milblogger called for the Russian military to implement “massive” systemic repressions and to “cleanse “the Russian military structure of “mafias.” These complaints have emerged in the wake of a scandal involving drone operators in occupied Donetsk Oblast, who were killed in combat after they criticized their commander, who then disbanded their specialized drone unit.[73]

This is new content.