In a significant move, President Vladimir Putin has ordered a call-up of 160,000 men aged 18 to 30—the largest conscription drive Russia has seen since 2011. This bold decision aims to bolster the military amid ongoing tension and conflict with Ukraine.

The conscription period runs from April to July, and it comes on the heels of Putin's announcement that Russia plans to expand its military size to nearly 2.39 million, including an active duty force of 1.5 million. This increase represents an addition of 180,000 servicemen over the next three years.

Contrary to fears that these new conscripts will be used in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Vice Admiral Vladimir Tsimlyansky stated that they would not be deployed to the front lines. However, previous conscription efforts during early phases of the war did see young soldiers sent to fight, leading to tragic losses.

Despite U.S. efforts to broker a ceasefire, violence has continued unabated. A recent attack by Russian forces on a critical power facility in Kherson left approximately 45,000 residents without electricity. While Russia has officially rejected a comprehensive ceasefire, it claims to have adhered to commitments not to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Russian officials have suggested that any violations are the result of Ukrainian drone attacks.

This year's draft is notably larger than last year's, with 10,000 more conscripts called up, reflecting adjustments made to the age bracket for eligibility—now expanded from 27 to 30 years old. Notifications regarding conscription are being delivered via traditional mail as well as through the state services portal, Gosuslugi.

While some young men are seeking ways to evade military service, such as opting for “alternative civilian service,” human rights lawyer Timofey Vaskin has described the drafting process as increasingly unpredictable. He notes, “Each new conscription since the war began feels like a lottery as authorities seek new ways to replenish military ranks.”

In addition to the regular conscription cycles, Russia has ramped up recruitment of contract soldiers and has even sought assistance from North Korea, reflecting the heavy toll the war has taken on Russian forces. Reports suggest that over 100,000 Russian soldiers have died in Ukraine, although the actual figures could be significantly higher.

This military escalation is set against the backdrop of increased threats perceived from NATO, which has expanded to include Finland and Sweden as a direct response to Russian aggression. Finland, now sharing the longest border with Russia at 1,343 kilometers, announced it would scale up its defense spending to 3% of GDP from 2.4%, indicating the seriousness of the perceived military threat.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues to escalate with no resolution in sight, questions remain about the long-term implications of Putin's strategies and the rising discontent domestically amid the ongoing military mobilization. Will this call-up prove effective or simply deepen the strife within the nation? Only time will tell as the situation unfolds.