Russia taps suspects and students for military ranks amid erosion of force

Russia's military is turning to two unconventional recruitment methods as it struggles with personnel shortages caused by steep battlefield losses in Ukraine. According to assessments from Ukrainian military experts, Moscow is targeting individuals within its criminal justice system and university students to fill gaps in its strained ranks. Sources confirm that Russian authorities are now offering suspects and defendants in criminal cases a grim bargain: enlist to fight at the front in exchange