Putin conscripts 160,000 men to bolster military for Ukraine conflict
- Russia has called up 160,000 men aged 18-30 as part of its largest draft since 2011.
- Despite claims from the Kremlin that conscripts won't be sent to combat, reports suggest many conscripts face deployment in Ukraine.
- This military expansion indicates Russia's preparation for a prolonged conflict in Ukraine amidst stalled peace negotiations.
Russia has initiated its largest military draft in 14 years by calling up 160,000 men aged 18-30. This conscription, occurring between April and July 2025, represents a strategic expansion of military personnel amid ongoing conflict with Ukraine that has lasted for over three years. Notably, this number is higher than the previous year's spring conscription and reflects an increase in the maximum age eligible for the draft from 27 to 30, expanding the pool of potential conscripts. Despite Russian authorities claiming that draftees will not be deployed in combat, reports indicate that individuals have been misled or pressured into signing contracts that result in their deployment along the front lines in Ukraine. The Kremlin maintains that only volunteers are active in Ukraine, yet divergence between official statements and on-ground realities persists, leading to skepticism about this narrative among citizens and analysts alike. The latest draft also underscores a significant shift in Russia's military strategy in response to escalating violence and losses in the Ukraine conflict, where over 100,000 Russian soldiers are believed to have been killed. Analysts suggest that this conscription drive is part of a broader effort by President Vladimir Putin to prepare for a prolonged and possibly expansive offensive against Ukraine, particularly as peace talks with Ukraine and the United States appear to have stalled. As tensions continue to rise, neighboring countries are on high alert due to Russia's military expansion and its historical context of conflict, such as the recently expanded NATO membership of Finland and Sweden. The Russian Defense Ministry has attributed the increase in military size to perceived threats from Ukraine and NATO’s ongoing expansion, prompting a re-evaluation of defense policies among countries in the region. This conscription serves not only to replenish military forces but also sends a signal of intent; despite efforts toward peace, Russia seems prepared for a sustained confrontation, altering the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.