Russia Struggles to Meet 409,000 Troop Recruitment Goal, Ukraine Says

Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SZRU) said Russia had only recruited 195,000 contract soldiers by July, compared to the 204,500 annual target, saying the efforts have concentrated in smaller regions and educational institutions. It added that Russia lost 196,700 troops in 2026 alone – including around 115,300 “irretrievable” losses, 80,400 injured, and around 1,000 captured by Ukraine.