Russia launches largest military call-up in over a decade

In an effort to strengthen its military forces, Russia has initiated a massive spring conscription, calling up 160,000 men aged 18 to 30.

This is the largest draft since 2011, marking a significant step toward President Vladimir Putin's plan to increase the size of the Russian military.

The call-up follows an announcement made months ago, where Putin outlined his goal to expand Russia's military by 180,000 soldiers over the next three years.

Despite the large-scale draft, Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky assured the public that the conscripts would not be sent to the front lines in Ukraine.

However, reports suggest that some conscripts have been involved in combat, especially in the early stages of the war.

The new conscription campaign comes during an ongoing conflict, with Russia facing mounting pressure as international diplomatic efforts to end the war continue.

Although the United States attempted to broker a ceasefire, violence persists, including recent attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.

The conscription process, which spans from April to July, is set against the backdrop of increased military casualties. Reports confirm that over 100,000 Russian soldiers have been killed since the war's escalation in 2022.

The latest draft is part of a broader strategy to bolster the military in response to losses in Ukraine and the growing tensions with NATO.

Russia has expanded its defense forces not only through conscription but also by hiring contract soldiers and recruiting from countries such as North Korea.

In addition to the draft, many young Russians have been seeking alternatives to military service, such as opting for "alternative civilian service."

Human rights lawyer Timofey Vaskin noted the unpredictability of the call-ups, calling it a “lottery” for young men, with authorities frequently altering the rules.

Amidst this, Russia has faced increasing losses in Ukraine, which have spurred the government to raise military personnel numbers multiple times since the war began.

This latest move in military expansion also reflects Russia's concerns over NATO’s growth, as countries like Finland and Sweden join the alliance, further escalating tensions in the region.