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Authorities in Russia's Irkutsk region in Siberia are offering a record commission of $18,000 to military recruiters for enlisting foreign nationals into the armed forces, according to The Moscow Times. The move reflects a broader trend of regional governments increasing financial incentives to meet enlistment quotas amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. The escalating bounties highlight persistent recruitment challenges facing Russian authorities as they seek to sustain troop levels without resorting to another unpopular mobilization wave, following repeated denials from the Kremlin regarding forced conscription plans.