"Bring A Friend"

By Anna Rizhkova with assistance from Ivan Zhadayev
Originally published in Vyorstka

Recruiting for Russia’s War on Ukraine has morphed into a complex system that involves a wide variety of Russians. The journal Vyorstka uncovered how women on maternity leave, “local authorities,” military careerists, and former HR professionals earn money persuading men to sign contracts with the Ministry of Defense and then ship off to the front lines. Some names of people and places have been changed out of safety concerns.

Fall 2024. Two men are standing at a grocery store checkout in Lipetsk waiting to pay for their water and cigarettes. Konstantin, a sturdy-looking grey-haired man and high-ranking regional official, is paying.