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 took a job at Voevoda, one of the major companies in a private recruitment market that has flourished since Russia began paying people to bring recruits into the army.

Voevoda’s business works like multi-level marketing, and its enlisters (known as “recruiters”) can earn millions of rubles if they’re good at the job.

Meduza summarizes the key findings of the iStories investigation.