Russia Initiates Largest Military Draft in Over a Decade Amid Ongoing Conflict
President Vladimir Putin has initiated a military draft calling up 160,000 young men, the highest number since 2011, as Russia aims to bolster its military amid ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and evolving regional security threats.
Lead: In a significant effort to strengthen its military capabilities, Russia has launched a spring conscription campaign calling up 160,000 men aged 18 to 30. This marks the highest conscription figures since 2011 and comes just months after President Vladimir Putin emphasized the need to expand Russia’s military forces, aiming for nearly 2.39 million personnel. The draft runs from April to July 2024 and has raised concerns about Russia’s intentions in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Unprecedented Military Call-Up
– President Putin’s directive aims to increase the military size to approximately 1.5 million active servicemen.
– The latest draft of 160,000 is an increase of 10,000 compared to the previous year.
– Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky has assured that the new conscripts will not be deployed to the front lines in Ukraine during Russia’s “special military operation.”
Context of the Draft
– **Casualty Reports**: There have been instances of conscripts being killed in skirmishes near the border and during the initial phases of the conflict.
– **US Diplomatic Efforts**: This draft proceeds amidst ongoing U.S. attempts to negotiate a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Recent Developments in the Conflict
– Violence persists in Ukraine, with reports of a Russian assault on a power facility in Kherson, resulting in power outages for around 45,000 residents.
– Russia has declared the capture of another Ukrainian village, Rozlyiv, in the Donetsk region.
Changes in Conscription Policy
– Russia has recently raised the upper age limit for military service from 27 to 30, effectively expanding the pool of potential conscripts.
– Notifications for conscription will now be delivered via the state services website, Gosuslugi, in addition to traditional mail.
Response to Military Losses
– Acknowledging heavy casualties in Ukraine, verified numbers indicate over 100,000 Russian soldiers killed.
– Some estimates suggest the real toll could be even higher, possibly exceeding double the official figures.
Military Expansion Plans
– Since February 2022, when Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine, there have been three increments to military size.
– Russia’s defense ministry has cited “growing threats” from NATO and the war in Ukraine as reasons for the current increase.
NATO’s Response and Regional Security Dynamics
– Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO has altered the regional security landscape, particularly concerning Russia.
– Finland now shares NATO’s longest border with Russia, prompting increased military preparedness across Northern Europe.
Shift in Military Strategy in Finland
– Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced the country’s decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention prohibiting anti-personnel mines, citing military advice.
– Defence expenditure in Finland is projected to rise to 3% of GDP, up from 2.4% over the previous year, reflecting heightened security concerns.
Conclusion: Russia’s unprecedented military draft amplifies global concerns as its military capabilities expand amid ongoing conflict and international tensions. The implications of this conscription go beyond Russia’s borders, drawing neighboring nations, particularly those in NATO, into a more strained security environment.
Keywords: Russia military draft 2024, Putin conscription, Ukraine conflict, NATO expansion, military casualties, Finland military policy
Hashtags: #Russia #MilitaryDraft #UkraineConflict #NATO #Putin #Finland #MilitaryExpansion #Geopolitics
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