Putin Orders Largest Russian Military Conscription in Over a Decade
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the conscription of 160,000 men aged 18-30, marking the country’s largest draft since 2011. The latest call-up, running from April to July, comes as Russia continues its military expansion, aiming for 1.5 million active servicemen. Though Russian officials claim conscripts will not be sent to Ukraine, reports suggest some are pressured into signing contracts and are deployed to the front lines.
The timing of the draft coincides with ongoing ceasefire negotiations, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claims Russia is using as a stalling tactic to prepare new offensives. Despite heavy battlefield losses, Putin remains focused on military expansion, citing "growing threats" from the war in Ukraine and NATO's enlargement. Meanwhile, Ukraine has bolstered its training programs, reducing its casualty rate in recent months.
With both sides refusing to back down, the war continues to escalate. Russia recently claimed to have captured another Ukrainian village, while Ukraine reported a Russian attack on a power facility in Kherson, leaving 45,000 people without electricity. As the conflict drags on, the latest draft signals Russia’s commitment to sustaining its military efforts, despite international pressure for peace.
