Russia lacks any formal, organized effort to account for legions of missing soldiers. That often leaves relatives in limbo, fending for themselves with scant government information.
Author: Neil MacFarquhar and Milana Mazaeva
Where Is Russia Finding New Soldiers? Wherever It Can.
From murder suspects to immigrants to a former Olympic gold medalist, Russia pressures those it thinks should fight in Ukraine.
Russia Showers Cash on Men Enlisting in Ukraine War, Bringing Prosperity to Some Towns
With fewer men willing to fight, Russia is focusing on cash incentives for those who sign up, seeking to avoid an unpopular draft while still increasing the ranks of soldiers.
Pavel Kushnir Dies in a Russian Prison
Among the hundreds of Russians jailed for criticizing the war in Ukraine, the death of Pavel Kushnir in detention has transformed him into an antiwar symbol.
Russia’s Youngest Conscripts Unexpectedly See Combat Against Ukraine’s Invasion
The long-sacrosanct practice of keeping young Russian army conscripts off the front lines is eroding as the lack of troops in Russia’s Kursk region indicates a manpower shortage.
Russia Opens Secret Trial of Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal
Evan Gershkovich of The Wall Street Journal has endured 15 months in prison by reading letters and Russian classics, while the authorities have not publicly offered any evidence that he was a spy.
Pardoned for Serving in Ukraine, They Return to Russia to Kill Again
Recruiting convicts for its army has given Russia a manpower advantage. But it is backfiring in tragic ways when former inmates are pardoned and return home to commit new crimes.
Russian Women Protest Long Deployments for Soldiers in Ukraine
“Make way for someone else,” a new grass-roots movement demands as women challenge the official argument that the mobilized troops are needed in combat indefinitely.
A Russian Town Where the War Dead Were Everyone’s Neighbors
The contradictions of Vladimir Putin’s war are changing the face of towns with military bases in Russia. Patriotism and pride are abundant, but so are sadness and death.
A Russian Town Where the War Dead Were Everyone’s Neighbors
The contradictions of Vladimir Putin’s war are changing the face of towns with military bases in Russia. Patriotism and pride are abundant, but so are sadness and death.