Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Friday ordering the conscription of 160,000 Russian men into military service. The draft, which applies to men aged 18 to 30, will run from April through July. The decree was first published by the Russian news agency Interfax and later appeared on the government’s official legal portal.

Russian officials have confirmed that soldiers who have completed their mandatory service will be discharged. The country typically holds drafts twice a year, once in the spring and once in the autumn. However, with the war in Ukraine continuing, military recruitment efforts have expanded significantly.

Kremlin Raises Age Limit to Expand Recruitment Pool

In January 2023, Putin approved a law raising the maximum age for conscription from 27 to 30. The decision was made to increase the number of eligible recruits as Russia faces ongoing battlefield losses. Since the start of the war, the Russian military has struggled to maintain troop numbers, leading to an increase in recruitment efforts.

The government has also encouraged voluntary enlistment by offering high salaries and benefits. Despite these incentives, many young men have tried to avoid being drafted. Reports have surfaced of Russians fleeing the country or going into hiding to escape conscription.

Russia’s Armed Forces Grow to 2.4 Million Personnel

Since December 2023, Russian media has reported a sharp increase in troop numbers. The total strength of the Russian armed forces now stands at 2.4 million personnel. Of this number, 1.5 million serve as active military personnel, while the rest include support and administrative staff.

Defense officials have stated that these numbers are necessary to maintain operations in Ukraine and strengthen Russia’s military presence. Despite mounting losses, the Kremlin continues to push for more recruits, signaling that the war is far from over.

Heavy Casualties Reported in Ukraine War

While Russia has gained territory in Ukraine, its military advances have come at a steep cost. British intelligence estimates that over 768,000 Russian troops have been lost since the war began in 2022. This figure includes soldiers who have been killed, wounded, captured, or gone missing.

The Ukrainian military has also suffered significant losses. According to official reports from Kyiv, Ukraine has lost approximately 43,000 soldiers since the war began. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed this number in December 2023, marking the first time Ukraine provided an official death toll.

Record Russian Losses in November 2023

The highest daily Russian casualties were recorded in November 2023. Ukraine’s General Staff reported that up to 2,030 Russian soldiers were lost in a single day. The intense battles of late 2023 led to a peak in Russian casualties, with many units suffering heavy losses.

The ongoing war has turned into a long, grinding conflict. Both sides continue to launch offensives, with no clear end in sight. Ukraine has received significant support from Western nations, including weapons, training, and financial aid. Meanwhile, Russia has relied on mass recruitment, including the use of convicts and mercenaries, to sustain its war effort.

Draft Dodging and Public Resistance

As Russia ramps up conscription, many citizens are seeking ways to avoid being drafted. Reports indicate that young men are leaving the country in large numbers, with many fleeing to neighboring nations such as Kazakhstan, Georgia, and Armenia. Some have gone into hiding to avoid recruitment officers, while others have attempted to bribe officials to secure exemptions.

Public protests against the draft have been met with harsh crackdowns. Russian authorities have arrested those who speak out against the war, labeling them as traitors or foreign agents. Despite this, opposition to the war remains strong among many Russian citizens, especially among the younger population.

War in Ukraine Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

The war in Ukraine has now entered its third year, with no signs of a ceasefire or peace talks. Russia continues its military operations, while Ukraine remains determined to defend its territory. Western allies have pledged ongoing support for Ukraine, providing military aid and economic assistance.

As Russia drafts another 160,000 men into service, the question remains: how long can the Kremlin sustain its war effort? With heavy casualties and growing resistance to conscription, the challenges for Putin’s government continue to mount.