Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree ordering the conscription of 160,000 Russian men into military service. The order, issued on Monday, applies to all men aged 18 to 30. The conscription process will begin in April and continue through July. The decree was first reported by the Russian news agency Interfax and later published on the official government legal portal.
Russia Begins Spring Draft While Discharging Soldiers
The decree also outlines the discharge of conscripts who have completed their mandatory service. Soldiers, sailors, sergeants, and non-commissioned officers will be released from duty as new recruits arrive. Russia’s military operates under a biannual draft system, with one round of conscription in the spring and another in the autumn.
During the last conscription period, from October to December 2023, Russia drafted 133,000 men into its armed forces. The latest order increases that number significantly, reflecting Russia’s continued need for personnel as the war in Ukraine enters its third year.
Putin Raised Military Age Limits in 2023
Russia’s conscription system changed in January 2023 when Putin signed a law raising the upper age limit from 27 to 30. This expansion widened the draft pool, ensuring a larger number of eligible recruits. The measure was part of broader military reforms aimed at sustaining Russia’s armed forces, which have suffered heavy losses in Ukraine.
Despite these changes, Russian officials insist that conscripts will not be sent to the front lines in Ukraine. However, reports from independent sources suggest that many conscripts later sign contracts that lead to their deployment in combat zones.
Russia’s Military Grows as War Effort Continues
Since December 2023, Russia’s military has expanded significantly. The country’s armed forces now number nearly 2.4 million personnel, with approximately 1.5 million serving in active-duty roles. Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has previously stated that Russia aims to strengthen its forces even further to meet the demands of its military operations.
While the Kremlin claims its military buildup is necessary for national security, critics argue that the draft is being used to sustain the war in Ukraine. Russian authorities continue to increase recruitment efforts, including offering financial incentives to volunteers and prisoners in exchange for military service.
Massive Russian Losses in Ukraine Battlefields
Despite its continued recruitment efforts, Russia has suffered significant losses in Ukraine. British intelligence estimated that by December 2023, more than 768,000 Russian soldiers had been killed, wounded, or gone missing since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.
These figures, which include confirmed casualties as well as missing and captured troops, align with estimates provided by Ukraine’s General Staff. Kyiv has consistently reported high Russian losses, particularly in regions like Bakhmut and Avdiivka, where some of the war’s fiercest battles have taken place.
Russia’s Deadliest Day Came in November 2023
According to Ukrainian officials, November 2023 marked the deadliest single day for Russian forces. On one day alone, Ukraine claimed that Russian losses exceeded 2,030 soldiers.
November and December saw some of the bloodiest fighting since the start of the war. Ukrainian military reports suggested that intense Russian offensives in eastern Ukraine resulted in devastating troop losses for Moscow.
Despite these setbacks, Russia has continued its attacks, targeting Ukrainian infrastructure and frontline positions with drone strikes, artillery, and missile barrages.
Ukraine’s Casualties Continue to Rise
While Russia’s losses have been substantial, Ukraine has also suffered heavy casualties. In early December 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had lost at least 43,000 soldiers since the beginning of the invasion. The toll has likely risen since then, as intense battles persist across eastern and southern Ukraine.
Both nations continue to face rising death tolls as the conflict drags on, with no clear end in sight. While diplomatic efforts have stalled, Ukraine remains committed to its defense, relying on Western military aid and strategic counteroffensives to push back against Russian forces.
The latest conscription decree signals that Russia is preparing for prolonged warfare. As new recruits enter the military, questions remain about whether the Kremlin can sustain its war efforts without triggering further public backlash.