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Russia’s Manpower Crisis Deepens as the Kremlin Tightens Control Online
How 2 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.
100% centerFirst reported by Mako · Jun 14, 2026
Center 2
What happened
Russia is facing a severe manpower crisis in its war in Ukraine, prompting record enlistment incentives and other desperate recruiting tactics. At the same time, the Kremlin is expanding internet controls, driving many Russians to use VPNs and other workarounds.
- 01Recruitment into Russia’s army fell 20% in the first quarter, according to CNN.
- 02The Kremlin is offering up to $80,000 and $140,000 in debt relief to attract recruits.
- 03Russia has sent prisoners, North Korean troops and migrants to support the war effort.
- 04Western estimates cited nearly 500,000 Russian military deaths and mass emigration to avoid service.
- 05Authorities are restricting WhatsApp, Telegram and VPNs while pushing the state app Max.
Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.
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