Kathrine Frich
Going to War Ranks Low on the Heroism Scale.
Going to War Ranks Low on the Heroism Scale.
Most Russians Don’t Want to Fight
A new survey reveals a striking contradiction in Russian public opinion: most citizens, especially young people, have no interest in becoming soldiers, yet they don’t oppose the war in Ukraine either.
This paradox shows a deeper divide in how the war is perceived across Russian society.
Survey Shows a Preference for Safe Patriotism
When asked who the true “heroes of our time” are, most Russians preferred everyday contributors to society over frontline soldiers.
Among those under 25, nearly all respondents (99%) said one can be a hero without ever picking up a weapon.
Going to War Ranks Low on the Heroism Scale
Out of five patriotic options presented in the poll, “participating in armed defense” ranked fourth.
Even volunteering or spreading patriotic messages was viewed more favorably than signing up to fight.
Only financial contributions were seen as less desirable.
Young Russians Least Willing to Enlist
Young people were especially uninterested in fighting.
Among those under 33, only 17–20% supported the idea of volunteering for military service.
Even in the 50–60 age bracket, the most eager group, only a third supported going to war.
Mounting Death Toll on the Frontlines
Despite reluctance among civilians, Russia’s losses continue to climb.
Verified figures show over 115,000 Russian soldiers have died, with 5,000 added every month.
Western estimates suggest actual losses, including wounded, could be double that.
Russia Still Finding Enough Recruits
Surprisingly, the Kremlin seems to be meeting its recruitment targets.
Official data claims that 190,000 volunteer and contract soldiers joined in the first five months of 2025, outpacing monthly casualties.
Still, some experts question the accuracy of these figures.
Recruitment Disparities: Moscow vs. the Regions
Moscow residents are far less likely to die in combat than people in poorer, more remote areas like Tuva, where mortality rates are 40 times higher.
This indicates that Russia is disproportionately recruiting soldiers from marginalized or impoverished regions.
Bonuses Shrinking, But Recruitment Continues
Even as enlistment bonuses decline in some areas, Russia is still pulling in enough recruits to sustain operations.
Policy changes, such as lowering the minimum age to 18 and scrapping upper age limits, have widened the military pool.
Kremlin Pushes On With War Plans
Despite growing casualties and weak public enthusiasm for fighting, Putin appears undeterred.
He aims to grow the military to 1.5 million troops and expects major gains in Ukraine’s upcoming summer-autumn offensive, showing no signs of compromise.
