Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree ordering the enlistment of 160,000 men for military service between April and July, marking Russia’s largest conscription effort since 2011. This move follows Putin’s broader strategy to expand Russia’s military to nearly 2.39 million personnel, including 1.5 million active-duty troops, with a planned increase of 180,000 over the next three years.
Conscription Expansion and Digital Notification
The latest conscription effort targets men aged 18 to 30, following last year’s controversial law that raised the upper limit from 27 to 30. Notifications will be sent both via traditional mail and Russia’s government services portal, Gosuslugi, a system that was introduced to streamline conscription and track those who fail to comply.
Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky has assured that the new conscripts will not be sent to fight in Ukraine. However, reports have surfaced of conscripts previously being deployed to combat zones, raising doubts about official statements.
Escalation in Military Manpower Amid Heavy Losses
The call-up comes at a time when Russia continues to suffer heavy military losses in Ukraine. The UK’s latest estimate, released in December 2024, placed Russian military casualties at over 768,000 since the war began. The significant increase in personnel suggests that Russia is preparing for prolonged military engagement despite international sanctions and growing domestic unease.
Geopolitical Tensions and International Reaction
The timing of the decree has sparked speculation about Moscow’s broader military intentions. Putin’s move comes amid reports of tensions between Russia and Western nations, particularly as diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict face repeated setbacks. Notably, the Kremlin has been engaged in damage control after reports emerged that former U.S. President Donald Trump was “pissed off” at Putin’s actions, which allegedly threaten U.S.-Russia peace talks.
Additionally, Russia’s renewed military expansion has alarmed neighbouring countries, as NATO allies continue to bolster their eastern defenses in response to Moscow’s aggressive posturing.
What This Means for Russian Society and Global Stability
This massive conscription drive is expected to have a significant impact on Russian society, particularly among young men facing mandatory service. Many within Russia have already sought ways to evade the draft, with previous waves of conscription leading to mass emigration.
For the international community, the move signals that Russia is not backing down from its military ambitions, making any near-term resolution to the Ukraine conflict increasingly unlikely.
As the situation unfolds, global leaders will be watching closely to see whether this conscription signals further escalation or an attempt to sustain current military operations amid mounting losses.
