Inside Putin's recruitment machine: 'Don't mention the army or war'

The Kremlin is employing increasingly drastic measures to bolster its military ranks, with recruiters actively luring potential soldiers to the front lines through a combination of substantial bonuses and advanced, AI-generated enticements. These efforts are characterized by a carefully managed narrative, where explicit mention of the "army" or "war" is strictly discouraged.

An investigation by Welt am Sonntag revealed the intricate methods used. A recruiter, using a heavily made-up profile picture and a camouflage jacket, communicated with a fictional recruit named Ivan. She offered him hotel accommodation during a medical examination and suggested drone force roles based on his skills. The recruiter promised training, accommodation, meals, and travel expenses, all while maintaining a pleasant and professional tone in voice messages.

This approach underscores a strategic effort to downplay the realities of military service and present it as an attractive opportunity. The use of fictional profiles and carefully crafted messages suggests a sophisticated operation designed to circumvent potential reluctance or opposition to joining the conflict. The instruction to avoid specific keywords like "army" or "war" indicates a deliberate attempt to shape perceptions and manage public discourse surrounding military recruitment.