As of September 1, the Kremlin has called up approximately 280,000 contract soldiers for the Russian army, according to Vadym Skibitsky, Deputy Head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
“Russia recruits at least 35,000 servicemen every month. According to our data, as of September 1, 2025, the Kremlin has called up about 280,000 servicemen under contract,” Skibitsky told Ukrinform.
He noted that contract soldiers receive significant payments.
“Russia makes significant payments to contract soldiers. Currently, it’s 2 million rubles for signing the first contract. There are all signs that by the end of the year, they will fully meet their recruitment plan,” he added.
Despite the ongoing recruitment, Skibitsky emphasized that the threat level to Ukraine from any forces stationed in Belarus remains low.
“Currently, the threat level associated with the possible use of any grouping from Belarus remains low. We clearly understand the goals, plans, and issues that will be worked out during all exercises currently taking place in Belarus. This concerns CSTO exercises and the active phase of the ‘Zapad 2025’ drills,” he said.
He explained that one of the main purposes of the exercises is not only the so-called defense of allied states Belarus and the Russian Federation but also to practice all necessary elements for testing the newly established headquarters of the Moscow and Leningrad military districts.
“This is part of ensuring command readiness and operational coordination, but it does not represent an immediate threat to Ukraine,” Skibitsky added.
The Ukrainian intelligence official also noted that this year’s exercises will not be as large-scale as in previous years.
“The Russian Federation does not have strong reserves or free military units to display the same power as in previous exercises. All of them are currently engaged in combat operations on our territory,” he said, underlining the strain on Russian forces caused by ongoing operations in Ukraine.
Skibitsky reiterated that while Russia continues to conduct drills in Belarus, Ukrainian authorities can clearly monitor their goals and activities.
“We clearly understand the goals, plans, and issues that will be addressed during all exercises currently being conducted in Belarus. This concerns the CSTO exercises and the active phase of the ‘Zapad 2025’ drills,” he said.
He emphasized again that the exercises are designed not only for the defense of Belarus and Russia but also to test the capabilities of newly established military headquarters. However, due to Russia’s lack of reserves, these drills will not reach the scale seen in previous years.
“All of the Russian Federation’s available units are currently engaged in combat operations on our territory,” Skibitsky concluded.
