Russian Military Flyer “Serve Under Contract” SMO

Russian Military Flyer “Serve Under Contract” is an authentic propaganda leaflet issued by the Russian Ministry of Defense during the early phase of the Special Military Operation (SMO). Distributed throughout 2022–2023, this flyer encouraged citizens to join the military under contract service. Size 30x21cm

These materials were widely circulated across Russia, especially in smaller towns and conscription zones. The leaflet typically featured bold patriotic slogans like “Be a man – serve your country” and promoted the benefits of military life such as salary, status, and respect.

This Russian military flyer “Serve Under Contract” is a rare example of SMO propaganda. Distributed during the Ukraine invasion, it was used to recruit contract soldiers. As an authentic wartime relic from Russia’s psychological operations, it is now collected alongside modern conflict items, such as field-used insignia, leaflets, and Ukraine war trophies.

Historical Background:

As Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, military recruitment efforts intensified. Alongside televised campaigns and online ads, printed flyers became a key part of internal psychological operations. They were used to motivate enlistment by framing contract service as honorable and well-compensated.

This specific flyer is a real example of wartime propaganda during the SMO, aimed at increasing the number of voluntary soldiers. It reflects modern Russian mobilization tactics and remains a sought-after artifact among collectors of Ukraine war memorabilia and battlefield psychological operations materials.