As Russian combat casualties in Ukraine continue to spike, the Kremlin is launching raids on businesses in search of fresh military recruits for the war that began in February 2022.
On Friday, law enforcement agents raided a warehouse in central Russia’s Tula region. They were looking for male migrants who recently obtained Russian citizenship but failed to complete their compulsory military registration, according to the Moscow Times newspaper.
British military intelligence officials said Russia in November reportedly sustained about 930 casualties per day — both killed and wounded — from the fierce battles with Ukrainian forces, the highest toll of the war. The police actions signal the dire military recruiting state Russia has found itself in after launching the largest attack on a European country since World War II.
Friday’s police raid at a warehouse belonging to the online retail giant Wildberries also targeted conscription-age men suspected of evading military service, the Moscow Times said.
Russia’s state-run TASS news agency downplayed Friday’s raid of the warehouse, calling it a “routine check of documents.”
“This did not affect the operation of the warehouse in any way, everything is working as usual,” TASS reported, citing a statement from Wildberries. “The management of the warehouse provided assistance to law enforcement agencies.”
At least 10 people were detained at the warehouse and handed a summons for military service, according to Russian media reports.
Russia will increase the size of its armed forces to “effectively protect its independence and security,” Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said in late October. The government of President Vladimir Putin has already turned to private mercenary forces and prisons in its quest to man the front lines in Ukraine.
Mr. Medvedev said Russia’s defense officials plan to form an additional army corps, seven divisions, 19 brigades and 49 regiments, TASS reported.
• Mike Glenn can be reached at mglenn@washingtontimes.com.