39

Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to call 160,000 Russian citizens into military service this spring. The decree mandates that men aged 18 to 30 will be required to serve between April and July. This new wave of conscription will add to Russia’s already significant military forces, as the country continues to bolster its armed services amid ongoing operations in Ukraine.

The decree was published on the official Russian government website for legal documents, confirming the start of another regular conscription cycle. While the decision has stirred debate, it reflects Russia’s continued commitment to strengthening its military capabilities during the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia Discharges Soldiers Whose Service Has Ended

In addition to the conscription announcement, the decree also orders the discharge of soldiers whose mandatory service term has expired. This includes sailors, sergeants, and non-commissioned officers who have completed their one-year active duty. These discharges are in line with the Russian military’s typical practice of conscripting new recruits twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall.

The autumn conscription cycle in 2023 saw an influx of 133,000 recruits for one-year service, showing that Russia consistently maintains a robust recruitment system to replenish and expand its military forces.

Putin Raises Maximum Draft Age to 30

In a move to further expand the pool of eligible recruits, Putin raised the maximum conscription age limit from 27 to 30 in January 2023. This change was part of broader efforts to increase the size and strength of Russia’s military in response to the growing demands of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

With the new policy in place, a larger segment of the population is now eligible for conscription, allowing Russia to strengthen its armed forces as the conflict drags on. The change in the draft age limit was strategically implemented prior to the announcement of this year’s increased conscription numbers.

Russia’s Armed Forces Now Total Nearly 2.4 Million

Since December 2023, Russia has significantly grown its military personnel, reaching nearly 2.4 million members. This includes 1.5 million active-duty soldiers who are playing crucial roles in the ongoing war in Ukraine. The increase in troop numbers reflects Russia’s intention to sustain its military efforts, despite the heavy losses it has sustained in recent months.

Russian state media has emphasized these recruitment milestones, often highlighting the country’s increased military capacities. The growing size of Russia’s armed forces is seen as essential for its ability to carry out operations in Ukraine, where fighting remains intense.

Russian Military Suffers Heavy Losses in Ukraine

The war in Ukraine has taken a significant toll on Russian military personnel. According to reports from UK intelligence and Ukrainian military sources, Russia has lost more than 768,000 troops since the conflict began. These losses include soldiers who have been killed, wounded, missing, or captured.

November 2023 marked the deadliest month for Russian forces, with 2,030 casualties reported on a single day. December saw continued heavy losses as Russian troops advanced through areas of Ukraine, facing fierce resistance from Ukrainian forces. These casualties have added to the mounting pressure on Russia’s military, as it strives to maintain its operational strength.

Ukraine Faces Heavy Losses Too

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in December 2023 that Ukraine had also suffered significant losses. He stated that 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died in battle since the conflict began. This number was part of a broader update that Zelenskyy provided during a national address, as the war continued into its winter phase.

Ukraine’s armed forces continue to track and report their losses, though the toll of the war on both sides remains high. While the situation for Ukraine is dire, the country has shown resilience, continuing to fight against Russia’s advancing forces.

A Prolonged War with No Clear End in Sight

The war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022, continues to rage on, with no clear resolution in sight. The situation has led to immense loss of life, both military and civilian, as the conflict draws in more and more recruits. Russia’s latest decree to conscript 160,000 men is just another sign of the country’s determination to sustain its military efforts, despite the staggering human cost.

As Russia and Ukraine dig in for a prolonged struggle, the international community continues to watch closely. While efforts to broker a ceasefire or peace talks have been attempted, they have so far failed to achieve meaningful results. The conflict has drawn in multiple nations, with Western countries offering varying levels of support to Ukraine, while Russia seeks to expand its control over more territory.

Russian Economy and Military Spending Soar

In parallel with the growing number of troops, Russia’s defense spending has also surged, leading to increased economic strain. The Russian economy is under pressure due to the costs of sustaining the war effort, along with the imposition of international sanctions. The government’s focus on military spending has meant that large portions of its resources are directed toward maintaining the war, rather than addressing internal economic challenges.

However, Russia’s focus on military expansion is showing results in terms of troop numbers and readiness, even as the country faces increasing casualties and international condemnation.

What Does the Future Hold?

With Russia’s military forces growing and the conscription cycle continuing, the war in Ukraine appears far from over. The humanitarian and military toll continues to rise, with both Russia and Ukraine suffering heavy losses. As Russia prepares to call up tens of thousands more conscripts in the coming months, the conflict will only intensify, leading to more deaths and a deeper global crisis.

As the situation remains fluid, the international community is left grappling with how best to respond to this ongoing tragedy. The potential for further escalation is high, and both countries’ militaries show no signs of slowing down.