Russian President Vladimir Putin has initiated the country’s largest military draft in over a decade, calling up 160,000 young men aged 18 to 30 for mandatory service. This move marks the highest number of conscripts since 2011 and signals a significant expansion of Russia’s military strength amid ongoing tensions with Ukraine and NATO.
A Growing Military Force
This conscription push follows Putin’s recent directive to increase the overall size of Russia’s military to nearly 2.39 million personnel, including 1.5 million active-duty soldiers. The plan, which spans the next three years, is set to raise troop numbers by 180,000. Despite official claims that these new recruits will not be deployed to the Ukrainian front, reports suggest otherwise, as previous drafts have seen conscripts involved in combat operations.
The spring draft, which runs from April to July, coincides with continued fighting in Ukraine. Just this week, Ukrainian officials reported a Russian strike on a power plant in Kherson, leaving 45,000 residents without electricity. This attack occurred despite Russia’s previous assurances that it would refrain from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a commitment allegedly made during ceasefire negotiations with the United States.
The Changing Landscape of Russian Conscription
Russia’s draft system has undergone notable changes since the start of the war. In 2023, the upper age limit for conscription was raised from 27 to 30, significantly expanding the pool of eligible draftees. Additionally, the Russian government has introduced new notification methods, including electronic call-up notices via the state services website, Gosuslugi, and city portals like Moscow’s mos.ru.
To avoid military service, an increasing number of young men are opting for “alternative civilian service,” which allows them to contribute to society in non-military roles. However, human rights advocates warn that the Russian government is constantly adapting its recruitment strategies, making avoidance more difficult.
Beyond Conscription: Russia’s Military Reinforcements
Beyond the traditional draft, Russia has been ramping up its military presence through contract soldiers and external recruitment. Reports indicate that thousands of additional fighters have been sourced from North Korea, highlighting the Kremlin’s desperation to bolster its ranks amid heavy battlefield losses. Independent reports from BBC and Mediazona have verified over 100,000 Russian casualties in Ukraine, though the real figure may be much higher.
Putin’s military expansion has also been linked to broader security concerns. Russia’s defense ministry cited the war in Ukraine and NATO’s continued enlargement as primary reasons for increasing its military size. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, NATO has welcomed Finland and Sweden into its ranks, further solidifying Western military alliances against Moscow.
Regional Reactions and Military Escalation
Finland, now a NATO member, shares a 1,343 km (834-mile) border with Russia and has taken new defensive measures in response to perceived threats from Moscow. On Tuesday, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that Finland would reintroduce anti-personnel mines, aligning with similar moves made by Poland and the Baltic states. This decision reflects growing concerns about regional security and underscores the shifting dynamics of military preparedness in Europe.
Furthermore, Finland is set to increase its defense spending to 3% of its GDP, up from 2.4% in the previous year. This significant budget hike highlights the nation’s commitment to strengthening its defenses against potential Russian aggression.
What’s Next for Russia and Ukraine?
As Russia continues to expand its military, the implications for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine remain uncertain. While the Kremlin insists that newly drafted soldiers will not be deployed to the front lines, historical patterns suggest that some may eventually find themselves in combat. With NATO reinforcing its defenses and Ukraine determined to resist Russian advances, tensions in the region are unlikely to ease anytime soon.
