The British Ministry of Defense has published the latest report of its military intelligence on the situation related to the war in Ukraine. Russian media, the report said, suggested authorities were preparing a major recruitment campaign aimed at recruiting an additional 400.000 soldiers.

Russia is said to be planning to recruit volunteers or professionals into that campaign instead of introducing mandatory mobilization. There is a real likelihood, British intelligence officials say, that in practice the distinction will be blurred and regional authorities will try to replace their standard recruitment figures by forcing men to join the army.

Latest Defense Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine – 30 March 2023.

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According to British intelligence, the Russian authorities have likely opted for the so-called "volunteer model" in order to replace manpower losses and minimize opposition to the war on the home front. It is highly unlikely that the planned campaign will succeed in attracting 400.000 real volunteers, the report said.

But rebuilding Russia's military capabilities and fighting power in Ukraine will require more than manpower, the report said. Russia needs more ammunition and equipment than it currently has, intelligence officials conclude.