Analysis: No Elon Musk, Russian soldiers in Ukraine are not 'kids' who have 'no choice but to fight and die'

Elon Musk's comments on Russian soldiers being forced to fight in Ukraine misrepresent the reality. Most Russian soldiers enlist voluntarily, motivated by financial incentives rather than coercion. The Kremlin relies on a contract army, offering substantial pay and benefits to attract recruits. Despite the grim conditions on the battlefield, Russia continues to recruit tens of thousands of soldiers each month. The Russian military's reliance on financial rewards and social benefits has allowed it to sustain its forces without general mobilization. However, the military's performance has declined, leading to speculation about potential future mobilization efforts.