In a significant move, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to draft 160,000 servicemen by July 15, a figure that surpasses previous conscription efforts as Moscow aims to expand its military capabilities.
Under the current regulations, Russian men are eligible for mandatory military service through bi-annual call-ups, a system that has been long-standing in the country.
While the Kremlin and the Ministry of Defense maintain that these call-ups do not lead to deployment in conflict zones and are unrelated to the ongoing situation in Ukraine, the narrative is met with skepticism. Ukraine has consistently reported capturing Russian conscripts during the course of the conflict, and President Putin himself has acknowledged instances where troops were sent to fight “by mistake.”
According to state media, the draft size has been adjusted to a planned 160,000 for this year, up from 150,000 in 2024 and 134,500 in 2022—when Russia initiated its military offensive in Ukraine.
In a bid to bolster military strength, Mr. Putin previously mandated an increase in the army to 1.5 million active servicemen, which translates to an additional 180,000 troops over the next three years.
The Russian Ministry of Defense has reiterated, “The forthcoming draft campaign is in no way connected with the special military operation in Ukraine.” This assertion underscores the Kremlin’s desire to frame the draft independently of external conflicts.
Beyond traditional conscription, Russia has actively recruited hundreds of thousands of men as contracted soldiers, enticing them with competitive salaries and substantial signing bonuses to bolster its forces in Ukraine.
The country customarily conducts its conscription campaigns in spring and autumn, targeting men aged 18 to 30. Notably, in 2023, Mr. Putin extended the upper age limit from 27, reflecting a growing demand for military personnel.
The current spring call-up period is set to run from April 1 to July 15, as outlined in Mr. Putin’s decree. Despite assurances that conscripts would not be sent to the front lines, over 300,000 ‘reservists’ were drafted in 2022 for the Ukraine campaign during what the government termed a “partial mobilization.” This move incited significant unrest, prompting hundreds of thousands of men to flee Russia to evade being called up.
As the situation evolves, the implications of these conscription efforts will likely stir further discussions domestically and internationally.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
