Putin Expands Women’s Enlistment Amid War Strains

Facing mounting battlefield losses and a Ukraine drone assault on Russia, Vladimir Putin is stepping up the recruitment of women into the armed forces, allowing women to sign military contracts across regions after a Spring policy change. Recruits are being sought via Telegram with terms and pay reportedly mirroring those for men, though many posts exclude pregnant women; campaigns have targeted female students in several cities, and Russia has even formed an all-female drone unit dubbed Night Witches 2.0. While demand appears high, some recruits and observers express unease about long-term commitment, as the war drags on and Ukraine’s drone campaign continues to strain the Russian economy and front lines.