Putin Orders 160,000 Men to Join Russian Army Amid Crucial Phase of Ukraine War

In one of the largest conscription efforts in years, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to mobilize 160,000 men between the ages of 18 and 30 into the country’s armed forces. This new round of mandatory service, which began Tuesday and will run through July 15, marks a significant step in Putin’s ongoing efforts to expand Russia’s military amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.

This conscription wave is part of Russia’s twice-yearly recruitment drive, but it comes at a particularly critical juncture in the conflict. The latest numbers represent an increase of 10,000 conscripts compared to last year’s spring draft, and a rise of more than 15,000 compared to three years ago, according to Russian state media outlet TASS. Overall, Russia’s military has grown from 1 million personnel three years ago to around 1.5 million today.

While conscription itself is not a new strategy, this surge in personnel is being driven by Putin’s goal to bolster Russia’s military as Moscow continues its aggressive military operations in Ukraine. The conflict has reached a pivotal point, with Russia relying heavily on support from North Korean soldiers to help defend against Ukraine’s advances in the Kursk region. Meanwhile, Russian forces have continued their push in eastern Ukraine, despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. to mediate peace talks.

The latest conscription also raises questions about the deployment of these new recruits. Russian law prohibits sending conscripts directly into active combat zones without proper training. However, reports suggest that some conscripts are being pressured or misled into signing contracts that place them on the front lines in Ukraine. There have also been incidents where conscripts found themselves caught in combat after Ukraine launched a surprise attack in Russia’s Kursk region in August 2024.

As the war in Ukraine continues, Russian forces have intensified their offensive in areas like Pokrovsk in Donetsk, while also launching aerial assaults against Ukrainian cities. Despite these military actions, talks aimed at ending the conflict are still ongoing. U.S. officials are working with their Russian counterparts in an attempt to broker a resolution.

In a significant diplomatic development, Russian negotiator Kirill Dmitriev is expected to visit Washington, D.C., this week to meet with top officials in the Trump administration. This marks the first time a senior Russian official has visited the U.S. for talks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The visit highlights the recent thaw in U.S.-Russia relations, with former President Donald Trump seeking to strengthen ties with Moscow.

Trump, in a recent interview, acknowledged that Russia may be “dragging their feet” in negotiations. However, he also noted that Putin rejected his calls for an immediate ceasefire, demanding conditions including the lifting of U.S. sanctions in exchange for a ceasefire in the Black Sea region.

As the conscription effort continues and the war in Ukraine enters a new phase, the global community watches closely, hoping that diplomacy will ultimately prevail in ending the devastating conflict.