Russia’s defence ministry will start a new recruitment campaign on 1 April, with the aim of recruiting 400,000 professional soldiers to the Russian army, according to a report.

Radio Svoboda, citing several regional media outlets, has reported that the Russian defence ministry has already sent orders to regions indicating the number of people with whom military contracts should be signed.

According to the plan, Sverdlovsk and Chelyabinsk Oblasts will have 10,000 contractors each, it said. In Perm Krai, 9,000 individuals will reportedly be recruited.

The main part of the work will be carried out by military enlistment offices, and governors will be responsible for the implementation of the plan, it said.

Russian military recruitment offices are trying to compensate for its losses in specialised soldiers, such as tank drivers and artillerymen, the Vyorstka outlet has reported.