# iStories investigation reveals Russia’s private recruitment network for its war in Ukraine

https://mins.news/en/item/34702

- Meduza, 2026-08-27 17:30 UTC
- World
- Original: https://meduza.io/en/feature/2026/08/27/istories-investigation-shows-how-russia-recruits-soldiers-for-its-war-against-ukraine-private-firms-targeted-telegram-ads-and-phone-numbers-bought-for-as-little-as-12-cents-apiece

> An iStories correspondent worked at Voevoda, a major private military recruitment firm, and found a multilevel-marketing system using targeted Telegram ads and purchased phone numbers to find contract soldiers. Recruiters can earn millions of rubles, while the company also recruits foreigners, prepares their paperwork, and screens their names with the FSB.