Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to conscript 160,000 men into military service. The decree, which was published on the country’s official legal portal, mandates that men between the ages of 18 and 30 will be called up for service from April through July. This decision comes as part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to maintain and expand its military forces during its prolonged war in Ukraine.
The order was confirmed by news agency Interfax, which stated that conscripts who complete their service will leave the military after fulfilling their obligations. This marks another significant step in Russia’s efforts to bolster its military manpower amid continuing military engagements in Ukraine, where the conflict has led to significant losses on both sides.
Russia’s Biannual Military Draft
Russia conducts two major drafts each year: one in the spring and another in the autumn. This spring’s conscription order of 160,000 men is consistent with Russia’s military policy, which relies heavily on regular drafts to maintain its military size and capabilities. Last autumn, Russia conscripted 133,000 men between October and December, all for one-year terms of service. These men typically serve in various roles, including soldiers, sailors, and junior officers, as Russia continues to build its military forces.
Notably, Putin signed an order in January 2024 to raise the upper age limit for conscription from 27 to 30. This change aims to increase the pool of eligible men, further bolstering Russia’s military capacity as the conflict in Ukraine drags on.
The Growing Russian Military Presence Amid War in Ukraine
By the end of 2024, Russia’s military personnel had grown to an estimated 2.4 million. Of this, approximately 1.5 million are active-duty soldiers. As the war in Ukraine continues, Russia has expanded its military to ensure it can sustain its operations. Despite the size of its forces, Russia has faced significant setbacks on the battlefield, with slow advances and heavy losses in Ukraine.
Russia’s military operations in Ukraine have been marked by protracted battles and intense fighting, especially in the eastern and southern regions of Ukraine. The country has focused on capturing key strategic areas, but its progress has been slower than anticipated, with Ukrainian resistance proving to be formidable.
Russian Military Losses in Ukraine Continue to Mount
Despite its growing forces, Russia has suffered heavy losses throughout the war. According to estimates from the United Kingdom, Russian troop losses had surpassed 768,000 by December 2024, based on military data provided by Ukraine. These numbers account for those killed, wounded, captured, or missing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
One of the most devastating days for Russia came in November 2024, when Ukraine reported its highest single-day losses of Russian troops, with 2,030 soldiers killed in one day alone. The winter months of 2024 have been particularly brutal for Russian forces, as heavy casualties continue to mount during intense combat operations.
The losses come at a steep cost to Russia’s military capacity and morale. Although Russia has been able to replenish its forces through conscription, the constant need for reinforcements has put a strain on the military. Despite these losses, Russia continues its pursuit of territorial gains in Ukraine, though with limited success.
Ukraine’s Military Toll in the War
On the Ukrainian side, the cost of the conflict has also been staggering. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed in December 2024 that over 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers had died since the start of the invasion. This announcement marked a somber milestone, as Ukraine continues to face daily challenges in holding off Russian advances. The human toll of the war has been immense, with the country’s military stretched thin in a brutal fight to defend its sovereignty.
Like Russia, Ukraine is also dealing with the psychological and logistical strain of heavy casualties. However, Ukraine has remained resolute in its defense, bolstered by substantial international support from Western nations, including military aid and financial assistance.
The Strain of the Conflict on Both Sides
Both Russia and Ukraine are facing mounting casualties and an ever-growing humanitarian crisis. The conflict has forced millions to flee their homes, with entire cities in Ukraine being reduced to rubble due to Russian bombardments. The war shows no signs of ending soon, with both sides entrenched in a war of attrition.
The Russian conscription of 160,000 men highlights the ongoing nature of the war and the Kremlin’s determination to continue the conflict despite its high human cost. The decision also signals that Russia is preparing for a prolonged engagement in Ukraine, as military officials acknowledge that the war will not be won quickly or easily.
Global Implications of the War
The conflict has broader implications for global stability, with the war in Ukraine reverberating far beyond Eastern Europe. The war has strained international relations, particularly between Russia and Western countries, which have imposed severe sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion. NATO and the European Union have provided significant support to Ukraine, including weapons, intelligence, and training.
The war has also disrupted global supply chains, particularly in the energy sector, as Russia is a major supplier of oil and natural gas. The global economy has felt the impact, with rising energy prices and increased inflation in many countries.
As Russia continues its conscription efforts and ramps up military operations, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that has caused immeasurable suffering. However, with both sides entrenched and the war showing no signs of ending soon, the future remains uncertain.
A War Without End in Sight
As Russia calls up thousands of young men to serve in its military, the reality of a prolonged conflict in Ukraine sets in. While conscription may help bolster Russian forces, the mounting casualties and the global consequences of the war paint a bleak picture for the future. Both sides continue to suffer immense losses, with no clear end in sight. The international community can only hope for a diplomatic breakthrough, but as of now, the war rages on, with both Russia and Ukraine facing an uncertain and costly future.