The Russian armed forces have recruited 385,000 so far this year, according to officials.
Russia has not stated the number of soldiers it has lost during the 20-month offensive, but independent estimates put the number in the tens of thousands.
Moscow has embarked on an aggressive recruitment drive, offering huge salaries and social programs in a bid to recruit soldiers for its assault.
"The rate of recruitment of contract soldiers has increased significantly. More than 1,600 people sign a contract with the armed forces every day," former Russian leader Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of the country's Security Council, said in a video posted on social media.
Amid manpower shortages, Russia last year called up more than 300,000 reservists in a controversial "partial mobilization" campaign.
Speculation about a new round of forced conscription remains rife as the conflict in eastern Ukraine approaches a winter stalemate and casualties continue to mount. / BGNES
Russia has recruited 385,000 soldiers this year
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